2km

Question
I started rowing for the first time in my life 3 months ago. I just turned 19 last month and I joined one of the cities rowing teams. I am aiming at the highest level of rowing ( National in this case). Today I did my final 2km Erg test and I kept the split of 1.42! My final time is 6.48! Am i doing well enough? At the begining of the selection we had to do a 500m Sprint and I did it in 1.27

I am 196cm tall and I wiegh around 100 KG. Any suggestions if I have what it takes?

Answer
Hi Stani: Here is where your time falls compared to other Heavyweight rowers your age in the 2K and 500M:

2K: Average Time: 6:58.3

PERCENTILES
90th   75th   50th   25th
6:19.1 6:32.3 6:51.1 7:13.6

500M: Average Time: 1:34.4

PERCENTILES
90th   75th   50th   25th
1:23.6 1:27.5 1:33.0 1:38.0

Considering you only rowed for 3 months, your 2K times is better than average, and your 500 is excellent.  With your height and weight, you have the physical size to row for the Dutch national team.  Your 500 also tells me you are very powerful.  However, your 2K indicates that you might be at a slight disadvantage over your competitors at National Camp, who obviously have much more experience and conditioning than you right now.

I honestly think you are a longshot to make the National Team this year (you probably need to break 6:25 or better in the 2K).  But if you get another year of conditioning, training, practice, and on-water experience, you'll be a top candidate for next year's selection camp.

Good Luck/AP