In 2003, Ursula Grobler recreated her life in Seattle. She had obtained her bachelor’s degree in Information Design in her native South Africa, and upon graduation moved to the U.S. as an au pair. Having taken a learn-to row class at Greenlake, she added to her growing list of challenges a newly learned sport: rowing. In the short span of four years, she progressed from being a novice rower with an unimpressive erg score to winning the Head of the Charles from a 19th seed in the open women’s single. Not to mention a silver medal in the lightweight double at the Banyoles World Cup, an impressive 20 seconds win at the Royal Canadian Henley in the Champ single, and a gold medal at the US Nationals in 2008. Yet, what is most remarkable about Ursula’s success is her quiet fame, her solid resolve to excel in the sport of rowing, and her motivation to keep training in the face of hurdles to obtain American citizenship.

During her high school years, Ursula made the junior national teams in triathlon and netball (a sport similar to basketball). These early successes planted the seed for her Olympic dream, only to be later channeled into rowing. The turning point came in 2007 when, after working full time as a graphic designer, she lost her job. She made the best of an unfortunate situation: “Instead of continuing to stare at a closed door I started looking for windows... I had a new boat and I wanted to learn how to use it.” Untrained and out of shape, Ursula held on to the dream and sought a way to realize it by calling Carlos Dinares. At first, the coach was skeptical of a novice coming to the sport at such a late age. However, he decided to give her a chance. Using the resources she had, Ursula painted wall murals for him in exchange for rowing lessons. Through her unwavering daily commitment, Ursula’s rowing skills developed and she made substantial physiological progress. This glimmer of hope proved motivational to both her and her coach to keep pursuing the dream.

Ursula currently trains in an unorthodox system from the basement of Dinares’s family home, everyday putting in the hours required by this demanding sport. In the meantime, she waits for her citizenship application in the hopes of representing the USA this year. When asked if it was difficult to train without the possibility of competing at the World Championships in 2010, she said she wouldn’t be training any differently or with any less purpose.  She feels grateful for the opportunity to train seriously. “My ultimate goal is the Olympics. I always keep that in mind and that keeps me motivated.”

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South Africa has been featured a lot in film. With District 9, and now the new Clint Eastwood film. Wonder is the 2010 FIFA World Cup has anything to do with it? My dad sent me some pics of the new stadiums built. Looks amazing. Can’t believe that’s my home country. I think SA will be amazingly alive during the Soccer games. I recently watched the film Tsotsi again. Made me remember alot of things.

Here are some pics of my home in South Africa >>

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley