Anna Goodale (center) was recognized as the 2005 Orange Plus Scholar Athlete of the Year by Director of Athletics Dr. Daryl Gross and Chancellor Dr. Nancy Cantor.
Follow up: Former Syracuse Rower Goodale to Represent US at Olympic Games
7/14/2008 3:27:48 PM | Women's Rowing
Follow up: Former Syracuse Rower Goodale to Represent US at Olympic Games
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - 2005 Syracuse graduate, Anna Goodale is off with the National Rowing Team that will represent the United States in August at the Olympic Game sin Beijing, China. Goodale will compete in the women’s eight event while rowing on the port side, in the number three seat. As freshman at Syracuse, Goodale walked on to the rowing team.
“Being in the Olympics has always been a dream. At eight years old I wanted to go to the Olympics as a horseback rider,” commented Goodale. “When I started rowing my freshmen year I remember Cindy Biles telling me that I had the potential to go as far as I wanted to. I am not sure I really believed it. After that first year it was something that I could possibly do someday. As years went by, it slowly turned into a dream, something that I really wanted to accomplish. The door opened for my new dream of going to the Olympics, though it still seemed a far off possibility. It is an amazing feeling when your dreams come true.”
Goodale majored in illustration at Syracuse University and graduated with her bachelor’s degree. She is now pursuing a career in illustration while preparing for the games this fall. Goodale continues to stay in contact with Syracuse’s rowing program.
“The biggest piece of advice that I can give is to stay relaxed. It sounds simple and easy but it is harder than you think. You have to give 100% effort all the time and work really hard but, believe it or not, it is much easier to do if you don’t try so hard (both mentally and physically),” commented Goodale on advice for future athletes.
At Syracuse Goodale was recognized as a three-time All-American. In 2003 and 2005 she earned first-team honors and in 2004 she was named to the second team. She was also named to the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) Mid-Atlantic Region All-American First Team during her sophomore, junior, and senior season. In order to accomplish her goals Goodale pre-paired mentally and physically while competing on Syracuse’s rowing team.
“I truly believe that I would not be where I am today if I had not had the opportunities that I had at SU. I picked up my first oar from the Orange and haven’t been able to put one down since. Su and the crew team ignited my passion for this sport,” Goodale explained.
Goodale’s passion has lead her to the U.S. team and in the last two World Championships the U.S. team has taken gold, including this years World Cup in Lucerne, Switzerland. Seven countries have qualified for the Olympic event by participating in previous World Cups and championships. The U.S. team is favored to medal at this year Beijing Olympic Games.
Starting on Sunday, Aug. 10 there will be two heats in the preliminary race. Then, on Sunday, Aug. 17 the finals will take place with the first place finishers. Others will race again on Tuesday, Aug. 12 with the top four boats going on to the finals.
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