Sept. 8, 2015
PUTTING THE U.S. STREAK IN PERSPECTIVE
NOTRE DAME, Ind. — For the second time in as many months a University of Notre Dame rowing alum has excelled on an international stage, as Amanda Polk (’08) helped secure gold for the United States this past Sunday (September 6) as part of the women’s eight at the World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette, France.
Polk, a biochemistry major in the College of Science during her time at Notre Dame, joins Molly Bruggeman (’14), who tallied a first-place finish in the women’s pair at the Pan American Games July 13, as recent Irish international gold medal winners.
#TeamUSA‘s women’s eight wins TENTH straight GOLD medal at #WRChamps!
#GoTeamUSA 🎉🎉🎉 pic.twitter.com/aDQC966jsK
— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) September 7, 2015
The victory kept a remarkable winning streak intact for the U.S. women’s eight that stretches back to 2005 and features eight world championships and two Olympic gold medals in a row.
A photo posted by World Rowing (@worldrowingofficial) on
A four-time All-American and a team captain at Notre Dame, Polk and her teammates were in second place after the first 500 meters of Sunday’s final. However, the group wouldn’t stay there for long as they gained the lead in the second 500 meters and never lost their advantage again. The group crossed the finish in 6:05.65, beating out second place New Zealand by exactly three seconds.
“We have a great team dynamic,” said Polk after the victory. “Our coaches are awesome. They know exactly when to push us and exactly when to talk to us and get feedback. It was a great group effort.”
—
For more information on Notre Dame rowing, follow the team on Facebook (/NotreDameWomensRowing) and Twitter (@NDRowing).
–Russell Dorn, Athletics Communications Assistant Director
–ND–