Profiles

Sarah Cook

I started rowing back in 2000 through the ACT Academy of Sport Talent Identification Program, my journey over the last eight years has been long and tough, with many devasting set backs and low points but also many fantastics highs.

My real breakthrough was in 2004 when I was selected in my first Australian Under 23 Team in the Women's Four, after three failed attempts at national selection in 2001, 2002 & 2003. We went on to win a Silver medal at the 2004 World Championships and it was then I realised that I had the ability and the drive to aim for Olympic representation in 2008.

After the 2004 World Championships I was invited to trial for the AIS, however one week before the trial I was diagnosed with Glandular Fever, which put me out of training for three months. I was able to return for a second chance to trial in January 2005, and three days in got tendonitis in my wrist. However one week later I managed to race at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival, where I won Gold in the Women's Pair and Silver in the Women's Four. In 2005 I was again selected in the Under 23 Women's Four for the World Championships in Amsterdam.

I had my second chance however at AIS when I trialled at the end of 2005, and after some solid performances at the National Squad Training Camp I was awarded an AIS Scholarship. However in 2006 at my first competition for AIS; the NSW State Championships, after winning the Open Women's Pair I broke my rib 100m into the Women's Four race. We won the race but I was then facing 7 weeks out of the boat. Despite this however, I trained like I'd never trained before on the road bike, and managed to trial at the National Selection Trials where I placed 2nd in the Women's Pair and secured myself a place in the Australian Women's Eight. Since then I've competed in the Women's Eight in 2006 and 2007, and the Australian Women's Pair in 2007 and 2008. My highlight has certainly been racing in the Women's Pair for the past two years, as it was not only the priority Australian Women's boat class, but also my favourite event and something I never thought I'd be able to achieve at such an early stag.

I am now planning a move to Melbourne in order to keep rowing with my pair partner Kim Crow, and to develop our combination over the next four years. After winning the Gold Medal at the World Cup in Linz last year, Kim and I have proven we have the speed and what it takes.We are certainly looking towar ds London in 2012, and after a lack lustre performance in Beijing the flame has certainly been lit to keep fighting towards an Olympic Gold Medal, which I believe we are certainly capable of.

Im not only looking forward to continuing my development as an athlete, but also in every aspect of my life. I firmly believe in life balance, which is why Im currently studying a degree in Science and Im looking to complete a Diploma in Education before 2012 and a Masters in Osteopathy after 2012. I also love public speaking, and sharing not only my story, but promoting sport and all of the fantastic benefits it can bring to the lives of everyone. Australia has such a long and rich sporting history across a large range of sports, and it is certainly my aim to foster and add to that in anyway possible.