Karl Zimmerman (CAN)

World Rowing caught up with McMaster University rower Karl Zimmerman following some ergometer testing on a chilly spring morning in Hamilton, Canada.

World Rowing: How and where did you discover rowing?

Karl Zimmerman: When I came to McMaster University, I wanted to try a new sport.  My dad had rowed at Trent University [Peterborough, Canada] years ago and so I started novice and fell in love with it through that first season.

WR: What are you studying?

KZ: Right now I am finishing up third year of Chemical Engineering with a specialisation in Biosciences. I am not sure where I want to take it, but there are lots of opportunities in industry and I can see where it leads me. It’s an exciting field to be in because the opportunities are so broad.

WR: What is your training like?

KZ: We row at Leander Boat Club [Hamilton, Canada], which is about 7 km from McMaster University and we bike down to the boathouse every morning for 5am and then sprint back to campus on our bikes to make 8:30am class. You get used to the commute.

WR: Canada gets pretty chilly in the northern winter, how does the routine change when the water is frozen?

KZ: For the winter five months of the year we are training on the ergs primarily with additional weight sessions.  Most sessions are still based at the boathouse facilities, so we still bike that 7km each morning through the snow and cold to make practices. Sometimes cross training can be done on campus and has to be fit into your class schedule.

WR: You just finished an ergo test , what was this for?

KZ: A few times a year, Rowing Canada asks for the submission of “RADAR” testing to get a rank order of everyone in the country for 6000m, 2000m, 1 minute, and 10 stroke distances. It is required for people trying out for the national team.

WR: How did the testing go?

KZ: This RADAR battery was my best one yet.  I’ve been hitting a plateau on my 2000m test for about a year, but I’ve been doing lots of prep work and had the confidence to attack. With 500m left, I kicked and the next thing I saw was the screen showing a 3.5 second personal best. I’m really happy with all my results. It gives me a lot of confidence and momentum coming into spring trials.

WR: What are your long-term aspirations?

 KZ: Right now, I’m taking things one step at a time. I’m very aware of the importance of completing my education and that’s a top priority for me. I’m working to fit my rowing career around that plan, while maintaining the weekly training volume I need to stay competitive and achieve my rowing goals.

WR: What are your immediate rowing goals?
KZ: I have two years of eligibility with the under 23 national team and I hope to represent Canada on that team or as part of the Universiad squad and the U23 team next year. I’m powered every day by the chance to become a little bit better, and I truly believe that this mentality is needed to accomplish my goals.

WR: To whom do you look for inspiration?

KZ:  My first summer, I was coached by former Olympian Mel LaForme, and that was a very special experience. Mel taught us to give it your everything on; “Every. Bloody. Stroke.” (usually with more colourful language). That mentality has been crucial for me. We often had pretty crazy workouts, but I knew that the boys around me were giving it their best, and when it came time to race, we were ready to empty the tank for Coach LaForme. Mel instilled this drive in me early on. Whenever I grab an oar or an erg handle, I’m confident that I will be able to give it everything I’ve got, and I will settle for nothing less than my best.