EUSA Insider:

Monika Kowalska

Age:                    26

Place of Birth:    Unisław (Bydgoszcz)

University:          University of Kazimierz Wielki

                             in Bydgoszcz (POL)

Published: 16 March 2018 

Briefly describe how and why did you get involved in Rowing?

I like sport since I’ve been a child, but my involvement in rowing is a coincidence. One summer my parents signed me up for a sport camp and only there I’ve found out that it’s actually a rowing summer camp. There I’ve discovered what a great sport it is, even though it’s also very demanding. I loved it and it stayed like this for all those years. All the small and bigger victories bring me a lot of joy as well as motivate me, so despite loses and injuries, I just cannot stop competing.

 "I struggled but I gave my 110% and the feeling after crossing finish line was unbelievable, and then again, when I received my gold medal."

What do you study? How do you balance your study, trainings and competitions?

I’m studying Physical Education at Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz. My professors are very understanding, they know that I’m training so sometimes I’m not in class. I also have an opportunity to train at my University’s facilities, so it’s a good situation.

Tell us about your experience of the European Universities Championships 2017. Is this your first time at an EUSA event?

European Universities Championships in Subotica were very intense for me. I went to the competition as the only representative of my University, and sadly also without my coach. I’ve gone there to do my best, but I’ve not expected to win gold medal, as the competition was really tough. Weather conditions were not perfect for my boat. I struggled but I gave my 110% and the feeling after crossing finish line was unbelievable and then again, when I received my gold medal.

I took part in EUSA competitions before, in 2013 at European University Championships in Poznan I got silver and bronze medal. I've also been to Zagreb at the European University Games, but I've finished in 4th position, being few hundredths of a second away from 3rd position.

"International competitions are very special and they give you chance for unique experience. Meeting new people, different cultures and countries – it’s an amazing adventure and chance for making memories for years."

In 2018 the European Universities Games 2018 will take place in Coimbra, Portugal, do you hope to be there? Why do you think university sport events are important?

Yes, I really hope to be in Portugal and represent my University. Every competition is important to me and I concentrate on each of those.

This is your chance! What is your message to European students like yourself?

I encourage all the students to get involved in sport and not to think twice if it’s worth it. Because it is! You have a chance to represent your University. As long as you are healthy and have a chance to train, you should just enjoy it and discover how strong you actually are. International competitions are very special and they give you chance for unique experience. Meeting new people, different cultures and countries – it’s an amazing adventure and chance for making memories for years. Make your dreams come true, fight and never give up.

EUSA would like to congratulate Monika on becoming the European Universities Rowing Champion in LW1x. Thank you for participating in EUSA events in the last few years, we hope to see you once again in Coimbra this summer! 

Find out more about Coimbra 2018.