Tatsiana Klimovich (BLR)

January 2016

Belarusian sculler Tatsiana Klimovich is the latest University Rower in Focus. Currently studying at Francisk Skorina Gomel State University in the south-east of Belarus, Klimovich has been climbing steadily up the international sculling ranks from gold at the European Junior Rowing Championships in 2013 and silver that same year at the World Rowing Junior Championships to her most recent accomplishments of gold in the women’s single at the 2015 European University Rowing Championships and fifth in the women’s doubles at the 2015 World Rowing Under 23 Championships. World Rowing caught up with her to talk about what it is like to row and go to school in Belarus.

World Rowing: How did you get involved in rowing?
Tatsiana Klimovich: I first played volleyball and then I was offered to try my hand at rowing. I liked it and I have now been rowing for almost eight years.

WR: Where and what are you studying?
TK: I am a student in the Faculty of Physical Education at Francisk Skorina Gomel State University.

WR: Did rowing influence your choice of university to attend?
TK: Yes, of course. I think in the future though, I will pursue more education that is not associated with physical activity.

WR: Do you train with other rowers at your university / are there university races to train for?
TK: There are some rowers from my university and also rowers from different universities. We all train together. There are no university races within Belarus.

WR: What was your favourite event to row / do you have a favourite race?
TK: The single and my favourite race was the European Junior Championships held in Minsk [2013] where I won the gold medal.

WR: What goes through your head as you line up for a race?
TK: The main thing for me is not to worry before the start.

WR: How do you find balancing rowing and studying?
TK: If a person is single-minded, they can combine their studies and training.

WR: Do you have any other hobbies?
TK: In my free time, I like to read.

WR: To whom do you look for inspiration and motivation?
TK: I look up to Ekaterina Karsten and I really admire her attitude towards sport and her work ethic.

WR: What are your immediate goals and long term aspirations?
TK: To train and prepare for the next season towards the achievement of high results.

WR: Is the Olympic Games in your future? Maybe 2020?
TK: Yes, of courses, as for any other athlete, participation in the Olympic Games is one of my biggest dreams.