The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Former rower George wins gold at Pan-Am Games
10.17.2011 | T-Association
Oct. 17, 2011
AUSTIN, Texas -- Former Texas Rowing walk-on Meg George, along with her partner Megan Smith, won the gold medal in the Women's Coxless Pairs race at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
This was George's first international race, and she said she expected tough competition from the experienced Argentinean boat. The pair finished the 2,000-meter race in 7:31.72, besting the silver medalists from Argentina by five seconds (7:36.22).
The coxless pairs race was the first race of the day, and George described it as a "wild morning." After receiving their medals, George and Smith were bombarded by kids wanting pictures and to hold the medal.
"I was a legitimate celebrity for about 15 minutes. It's been non-stop all morning," George said.
George will stay in Mexico through Oct. 20, but will begin training for US Rowing's Fall Speed Order on Tuesday morning. George will then continue two-a-day training sessions in Oklahoma City before heading to Princeton, N.J. a few days before the competition begins on Nov. 12.
"The result today is great, but ultimately it will be racing experience. It starts now for the Olympics," George said. "It's already go-time. I've been seriously training with the national team for less than a year, so (today's win) is really encouraging."
Her next focus is to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, but George will take some time to enjoy her achievement.
"I can't wait to get home and have McDonald's," George said.