ZAP YOUR COMFORT ZONE

DLE Founder and President Linda Dulye recently wrapped up her participation in the World Rowing Masters Regatta 2024 in Brandenburg, Germany–an experience she describes as “overloaded with moments and images of indescribable inspiration.”

“My first international competition was made possible with supportive and accomplished teammates from Sarasota County Rowing Club (SCRC), relentless morning practices at Berkshire Community Rowing with my crewmate and DLE member Ted Humphrey and the steadfast encouragement of my husband, Roger Gibboni, to step up to this daunting life challenge,” she shares.

Her motivated SCRC crew earned the impressive achievement of 46th place in the points trophy out of 721 clubs–the top six percent in a five-day event that attracted more than 5,000 athletes, including Olympic champions, from 51 countries. Those numbers add up to the second-most country representation at a Masters regatta.

“Debuting on the world rowing stage catapulted me way out of my comfort zone–mentally and physically. I set a goal last June to compete in the Worlds, which necessitated that I step up my training, diet and sleep routine. Plus I had to calibrate my mindset to defy doubt and simmer fears,” she explains.

“Hard work, laser-sharp discipline, a trusted coach and the encouragement of friends and family were a potent formula to make my dream come true!” Linda beams. “To quote Rocky after his underdog victory over Apollo Creed, I DID IT!”

Her next challenge arrives in October at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, MA–another premier, global competition, which attracts 11,000 athletes and 400,000 spectators.