Jessica Eiffert (USA)

Rising Star – September 2015

Jessica Eiffert is an under-23 representative from the United States. She began rowing internationally in 2010 when she raced at the World Rowing Junior Championships. It was here that she won her first international medal in rowing – silver in the junior women’s four. The following year she became a Junior World Champion in that same boat class.

Taking a break from the world rowing scene in 2012 and 2013, Eiffert came back to international competition in 2014 and doubled up in the women’s pair and in the women’s eight at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships. Eiffert took home a silver and a gold medal, respectively, from Varese. In 2015 Eiffert doubled up again in those same boat classes this year at the under-23 championships and became a double Under-23 World Champion in the pair and in the eight.

With these promising results, World Rowing welcomes Eiffert as the September 2015 Rising Star. Eiffert shares some of her rowing thoughts.

I discovered rowing… in 7th grade when my sister Emily began rowing.

If I was not rowing my sport would be… bobsled.

I’m finishing up my degree at… The University of Michigan. I am shaping a general studies background into a major that focuses on the psychology and marketing behind food behaviour and nutrition.

My all-time favourite race so far… was the 2014 Head of the Charles Championship Eights race for Michigan. It was just a really fun race through challenging conditions and course obstacles.

My favourite training session is… a morning row in multiple boats with high rate race pieces.

If I could pick my dream crew it would include… my heroes in an octuplet: Susan Francia, Eric Murray, Hamish Bond, Andrew Campbell, Caryn Davies, Felice Mueller and Steve Redgrave. 

Outside of rowing I… study. I enjoy eating and cooking. I am also always up for adventures.

The most influential people in my life so far have been… my parents who got me started. But from a young age I have been extremely lucky to have been led by so many amazing coaches and each of them have made significant impacts in my life. To list just a few: Justin Moore, Cassandra Cunningham, Dave O’Neil and Mark Rothstein. 

I’m motivated by… competition. I always want to make whatever boat I’m in the fastest. Training with and against my teammates in the United States is extremely motivating. The level of determination that they compete with makes for an incredible atmosphere to train in and I love being a part of it!

I’m most relaxed when… I have completed practice for the day and I can feast and relax.

My biggest strengths are… boat feel and rhythm.

The talent I wish I had… flying. Because that would be amazing. 

In my fridge you will always find… watermelon and Greek yogurt, I’m a big fan. Also, dried mango – but I’m quite picky (spoiler: Whole Foods has the best).

The best thing in life right now is… my friends and the people in my life. I honestly have the best friends – they are fun, extremely supportive, and great people – I am very lucky.

In five years’ time I will… hopefully be traveling after successful racing in Tokyo (2020 Olympic Games).