This article was first published in March 2024 in Issue 51.
Ukraine’s two-time World Rowing Championship bronze medallist, Anna Sheremet, 22, has become a familiar face on international podiums. In 2018, aged just 17, she burst on to the rowing scene by winning her first World Cup medal at Belgrade, Serbia. Although posing a serious threat to the established winners during the Tokyo Olympiad she has struggled to make it stick at the major championships. Until now that is. Sheremet is currently training in Croatia, and her first race of the 2024 season will be the European Rowing Championships at the end of April, in Szeged, Hungary.
Why rowing?
It’s an interesting question, I sometimes ask myself that too. First of all, it makes me stronger and secondly, it’s a beautiful sport; interesting to watch and even better to do.
Proudest moment?
The bronze medal I won at the 2023 World Rowing Championships in Serbia. That season did not start with medals, so to medal at the end, at the Worlds, made me very happy.
And the worst?
Unfortunately, that must be at Tokyo, at the Paralympic Games. There were lots of waves and a strong wind; for me, in the final, a medal was not possible. I came fourth.
Most memorable race?
I will never forget it. My first race in the Italian city of Gavirate, there were so many emotions from that race. I won a bronze medal, and I was happy and I thought to myself, ‘Wow, apparently I’m strong’.
Biggest strength as a rower?
I’m quite light for a rower, and not very tall, but I’m very hardy. I have strong hands, strengthened by the training set by my coaches.
What would you like to be better at?
A lot. The biggest thing is to be more technical and have better balance in the boat.
Favourite session?
I love the whole summer season. Preparing for competitions and being in great shape. Developing boat speed is hard but once you have it and you get a good result, it feels amazing. Showing your boat speed on the world level is an incredible feeling.
Least favourite?
For me, it’s probably the winter season. I do a lot of work on the ergs and spend a lot of time in the gym, so I miss my boat.
If not a rower, what sport would you play?
That’s a difficult question. Perhaps a long-distance sport like skiing, that might be interesting but the small problem I have with it is the cold weather. I love rowing more.
What do you do when not rowing?
It’s a rarity. If there’s any free time then I watch movies, read books and learn something new.
Is there an athlete you admire the most?
Birgit Skarstein, Norway’s PR1 W1x. She’s a strong athlete and a cool rower. Although we are always in the same race I still rejoice in her victories. She’s incredible.
Best piece of advice?
Keep focused and constantly adjust your plan. And that you must first defeat yourself before you can defeat others.
This article first appeared in Issue 51
