Jordan Smith

Post date: Nov 7, 2008 3:51:34 PM

Jordan Smith rowed with Georgia Tech Crew from 2000-2003. Jordan was a brand new novice on the team when he started with GT Crew. In his time at Tech he won numerous medals as a heavyweight, all the while breaking records on the erg and in the water. But not only was he successful in the boat but he was successful at finding his future family. Jordan met Joy on the team and they were soon married right there on the river - walking through a line of raised oars at the end of the ceremony. But it doesn't stop there. Jordan continued to row after his graduation and can always be found on the water. Here is what he has to say about his current training.

The last year has been a lot of fun. With the help of my close friend Jon Werner, who voluntarily comes out and coaches, I made a lot of progress toward the goal I had four years ago: compete through the quadrennial for a spot on the Olympic team. Its something a lot of doctors said I would never get the chance for after my back injury in '06, so every day is lucky for me.

Since moving back to Atlanta I've put a lot of miles in on the water, erg and time in the weight room. Its paid off. Last spring I went to NSR 1 (National Selection Regatta) and managed to finish 6th out of 31 despite having no training partner. It also was a high enough placing finish that I was qualified to compete in Olympic 1x trials (not having a training partner to piece against really hurt here). Even though trials did not go as we as I might have imagined, it was still a great experience and good way to close the door on 4 years.

I shut down formal training for the summer to focus on grad school and let some wounds from a hard year of training heal (lets be honest, I still put in 20k a day.) Somehow I managed to get another bid for the championship single at the Head of the Charles this fall, so in late August I resumed training amidst coaching, school and student teaching. It was the best race I could have hoped for. I started behind some big names in the rowing world and managed to be within 5% of the winning time, so I am automatically invited next year. That's really exciting.

I'll hopefully be starting teaching full time next fall, and I think with that and coaching my focus will shift away from competition. I think its time to help others get there instead.

Thanks Jordan and good luck to you!