|
Goodale became part of the national rowing team in 2005 and went on to help the United States win gold medals at the 2006 and 2007 world championships, before her
historic win at the Olympics. Her team won the 2,000-meter final with a time of 6 minutes, 5.34 seconds, two seconds ahead of the Netherlands in second place.
"I grew up tapping maple trees, collecting honey, bringing in hay, . . . being outside all the time," said Goodale whose mother home schooled her until the age of nine,
allowing her creativity to flourish.
The athlete’s love of Maine inspires her. "When I’m away from Maine, I loose a bit of how special the state is. Then when I come back I feel the magic here and see how
beautiful it is. There’s something in the air here that makes you feel more alive. There are very few places that I’ve been to that touch me the same way Maine does.
For me it’s rejuvenating. Just to be able to be outside, to be around the ocean and mountains. And where the mountains meet the sea is where I grew up, in Camden,"
said Goodale. "It’s amazing to have all those opportunities here, growing up on the water, sailing, and rowing. My father taught me how to row a dingy; it’s a little
different than rowing in the Olympics — it was a great start. For me, growing up on the water, being outside and developing athletics, and then being able to compete
in the Olympics, has been just absolutely perfect."
"I took the opportunity that presented itself," said the enthusiastic Goodale. "That’s the biggest piece of advice that I would give to young people — to be patient.
I did sit on the bench in high school. I played a lot of basketball and soccer with superstars. And the lesson is, if you don’t find a passion right now, its OK, and
when you do find it, keep yourself open to opportunities and available to things that come your way. And when something new comes your way — try it, because you never
know where that can lead. And when you do find that passion, take it and trust it. It’s not easy, and it takes a lot of work to get there. It’s an amazing feeling
when you put that much into something and you end up accomplishing dreams that come true."
|
Home