Am I too short to row?

Question
Hi,

My name is Lily, and I just started rowing this year. I love rowing, and would like to pursue it to higher elite levels. Problem is, i am shorter then most other rowers. I am currently 5'3 and 14. My parents are 5'4 and 5'8, so I will probably not be much taller.

I am athletic, and am also willing to put in more effort then anybody else on the team. I do not want to be a coxswain. Can I still reach a high elite level in rowing?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Lily: No, you are not too short and you should not consider being a coxswain.  You would be very unhappy if you did that.   There are many successful rowers who are your height.  With your attitude and motivation, you should do just fine.  

While it might not be realistic to say that you can make the US Women's Olympic 8, you might have a shot at rowing at the elite level in a single scull, double or pair.

Good Luck/AP