Three former Northeastern rowers--
Dan Walsh '02, Will Miller '07, and Brad Bertoldo '10--participated in the USRowing fall speed orders earlier this month. The speed orders are the first step in the selection process for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
USRowing, which selects, trains and manages the teams that represent the U.S. in international competition, holds the speed orders to establish rankings among athletes currently training with the national team and to identify emerging athletes.
Miller is training for the sculling squad and trialed in the single scull. He won the time trial, completing the six-kilometer course in 22:48.75. The victory pits him as the top overall Olympic hopeful for the sculling mix, at this point in the selection process. Miller was twice a member of the U.S. World Championship Team (2009 and 2010), and was also a member of the U.S. U23 World Championship Team (2006). Miller's father, Bill, also was an outstanding Northeastern oarsman and competed at the 1972 Olympic Games.
Bertoldo turned in an impressive performance in the men's pair event--which is the trial for aspiring 8+ oarsmen. The former Husky finished fourth in a very strong, crowded field.
Walsh, who captured Olympic bronze in the US 8+ at the Beijing games in 2008, could not trial due to a flu illness. He remains in the selection process based on stellar past performances. Walsh is a two-time Olympian (2004 and 2008 (bronze)), and a seven-time member of the U.S. World Championship Team (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006 (bronze), 2007, and 2010).
"Dan, Will and Brad demonstrated exceptional oarsmanship and leadership as Northeastern undergraduates," said Northeastern head coach
John Pojednic. "They serve as a great example to our current oarsmen of the value that lies in making a long term commitment to this sport, and to any dream or aspiration in life. In the sport of rowing, champions are made when no one is watching, and these three guys epitomize that; no pro contracts, no big sponsorship deals, just the love of the sport and the passionate pursuit of the Olympic dream. The entire Northeastern community is very proud of these guys and we wish them all the best as the selection process unfolds."
This year's selection process is being staged in two locations--the USRowing Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., and the USRowing Training Center in Princeton, N.J. All three former Huskies are participating in the Chula Vista trials.
The announcement of crews, at the direction of the national team coaches, will take place in the spring.
