Pain? Yes, of course. Racing without pain is not racing. But the pleasure of being ahead outweighed the pain a million times over. To hell with the pain. What's six minutes of pain compared to the pain they're going to feel for the next six months or six decades. You never forget your wins and losses in this sport. YOU NEVER FORGET.

Brad Alan Lewis 1984 USA M2x

The window of X Factor opportunity opens up in the closing seconds of a race - you might be sprinting at the time or just hanging one, trying to get across the finish line. With a supreme act of will, you can prolong your effort, essentially fighting off the inevitable lactic acid shutdown. You'll have little time for contemplating the options: either wholeheartedly go for it or back off. You must train your X Factor to unequivocally respond the way you want - go for it. Once the window is closed it's closed forever.

Brad Alan Lewis 1984 USA M2x

The eights race includes two to six 60 foot long shells, each competing with eight rowers and their coxswain - nine bodies working as one. What follows are 2,000 meters, approximately 240 strokes, of explosive yet controlled fury to the finish line. You can appreciate the tension as [you] slowly back into the starting station - it's like sitting on a bomb and being forced to watch the quickly burning fuse.

J.J. Forster Georgetown University

Rowing is an absurdly simple sport. I can easily guide a beginner through the right technical motions. The difficulty arises when the beginner attempts to repeat those motions on a bumpy race course, at 40 strokes a minute, with his heart rate zooming, and an opponent charging up his stern.

Brad Alan Lewis 1984 USA M2x