As the second round of the World Cup begins today on Lake Aiguebelette, in Savoie, the young Frenchwoman Elodie Ravera shares her thoughts on her journey and her expectations.
For Elodie Ravera, rowing is a family affair: her father, Stéphane Ravera, is a former member of the French national rowing team. It was under his encouragement to start the sport that she took it up in 2008 at the age of 13.
Her recent victory at the United States championships with the Columbus team was a significant moment in her young career: “This victory has a completely different flavor because it’s a team title, and we prepared for it all year with a lot of hard work.”
Also a French champion, Elodie Ravera is very pleased with this title, despite the lack of preparation: “I arrived from the United States only five days before the start of the competition.” However, it was an important win on a personal level: “My partner has been a friend for several years, so it was a pleasure to win this victory with someone I really appreciate.”
The World Cup
Elodie Ravera and her teammate Daphné Socha will compete in the World Cup round at Lake Aiguebelette without any pressure on their shoulders, as it’s their first international competition in the “Senior” category (over 19 years). “It’s an opportunity for both of us to gain experience and take everything there is to take. We have nothing to lose given our age.”
Eyeing Rio
The young champion hopes to join the French women’s rowing team. “My goal is to be part of the boat that will go to the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.”
