Olympic Profiles: Q&A With Kerry Simmonds
November 01, 2016 | Women's Rowing
Washington Rowing women's head coach Yaz Farooq is no stranger to the Olympics Games. She coxed the U.S. women's eights at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics and worked as a rowing commentator for NBC's Olympic broadcasts in Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. In Rio, she was a researcher for former UW coxswain Mary Whipple, '02, who served in her first year as a rowing broadcaster during the Games.
In Rio, Farooq caught up with U.S. women's eight gold medalist Kerry Simmonds, '11, to talk about her Olympic experience.
Kerry Simmonds
Hometown: San Diego, CA
USRowing Teams: Senior 2013-16; U-23 2010-11
UW Major: Biology
Personal: Basketball, making/editing home videos and finding new music
Yaz Farooq: Can you tell us about earning a seat in the US women's eight and what it was like going into the Olympics with the pressure of the 11-year undefeated streak weighing on you?
Kerry Simmonds: It's really fun every summer when a boat gets named and you're in it. You know you have a seat and you're finally "boatmates." The stress of competing against each other is gone, and it becomes all about, "How fast can we make this boat go?" Then the hard work becomes a lot of fun. The hype around the 11-year streak was there. Honestly, it was more pressure than I thought it would be, but it also brought a lot of recognition to the sport. Internally, you're thinking, "Everyone on our team deserves that recognition," but in the end, the fact that it brought more attention to women's rowing was really cool.
YF: What's your favorite Olympic memory from Rio?
KS: By far, being on the medals podium and seeing my family's faces and making eye contact with each of them and having a moment there. I was extremely emotional. I didn't realize I would be so overwhelmed by it. I had nine people there. Being able to look at them and them at me recognizing and sharing how awesome that moment was. Looking back, I am incredibly thankful the journey. There were a lot of ups and downs, especially this last year for me with injury. There were times I didn't think I would be able to pull myself out this hole. My family kept reminding me about the journey, whether the destination takes you to the Olympics or not. I'm incredibly thankful for having a family that did not put any extra pressure on me. I'd hope that I could be that way with my kids.
YF: Why have so many walk-ons at UW been so successful at the NCAA's and the Olympics?
KS: So many generations have built this amazing culture, with walk-ons being a huge part of the program. I went in without expectations, and then you just start to build them as you go, which I think is healthy. We were so well integrated. There is such a tradition with UW rowing. I remember feeling more a part of the school because of wearing the W. It's a huge honor. We looked at those who came before us, and now there's "The Boys in the Boat" building it up even more. Rowing at UW is a big deal and I appreciated that people treated us that way. The alumni network now is so awesome. Our coaches stayed in touch with us even after we graduated. You're not just a Husky when you're there, you're a Husky for life!
YF: Kerry is currently pondering her rowing future. If she retires as a competitor, she is considering coaching. I made sure to let her know that the door at Conibear is wide open either way!
