SARASOTA – Coverage continues for day two of competition in the 2021 U.S. Rowing Olympic & Paralympic Trials taking place here in Sarasota.
The reps are set for the third day of competition at the U.S. Rowing Olympic & Paralympic Trials for Wednesday.
And the athletes representing the Suncoast are inching closer to compete in Friday’s finals. In the past the Sarasota Crew Men’s Team have dominated in the water, but nothing compares to the experience these athletes getting from competing on a world stage like this.
“Not many people get this opportunity for it to be 20 minutes from my house I can come and row and get the experience,” said Malakai Leon.
Experience Malakai’s mother, SNN’s Morning Anchor Kathy Leon, couldn’t be any prouder of her son to receive.
“I think at his age – I think the experience for him is gonna be just something that helps push him forward even through the next several years of his career,” said Kathy.
Malakai and Marlon Bayor compete in the Men’s Heavyweight Doubles. The two says they’re ready for one of their most important races of their young careers.
Ad having not being forced to take a break from competition because of the pandemic, could give them an added advantage over their opponents.
“Especially Sarasota Crew we found ways to continue practice safely, things like that, so we haven’t had a huge break especially when COVID first hit,” said Malakai. “So we’ve stayed active and defiantly I feel that always gives you an advantage over people who haven’t”
And though the home turf advantage hasn’t helped much with the nerves – both Bayor and Malakai say Sarasota Crew has prepared them for a competition and are already strategizing for the next Olympics in 2024.
“If we ever do comeback, which we hopefully we do we that experience of being here before,” said Malakai.
Don’t miss out on all the action here on SNN as we bring coverage of the U.S. Rowing Trials all week long.
