Temple University Athletics
Gemma Wollenschlaeger Earns Spot on 2023 US World Rowing Championship Roster
7.5.23 | Women's Rowing
PHILADELPHIA — Gemma Wollenschlaeger, a rising junior on the Temple Women's Rowing team, earned a spot on the US Para Rowing roster for the 2023 World Rowing Championships.
Wollenschlaeger is set to compete in the PR3 mixed double scull, alongside Todd Vogt of the Portland Boat Club. The nomination marks the first time that Wollenschlaeger has been selected as a national team member.
"I am so thrilled to be representing the United States and Temple on the world stage," Wollenschlaeger said.
A native of Crofton, Md., Wollenschlaeger has been a strong competitor for Temple Women's Rowing during her two years with the program. She raced with the Owls' Varsity 8 this past year, which finished the season with a third-place finish at the American Athletic Conference Rowing Championships. The podium finish marked the first time that Temple's Varsity 8 medaled since 2016. Following the conference championships, Wollenschlaeger earned a spot on the AAC First-Team All-Conference lineup.
"One of the best parts of coaching is supporting athletes as they chase big goals and dreams - at Temple and beyond," Temple Head Coach Rebecca Grzybowski said. "The opportunity to compete for your country on the world stage is a huge honor and we are all extremely proud of Gemma for earning her first US National team appearance! It's the direct result of her consistent work, steady progress and commitment to the process of high performance and I know she's going to make the most of it."
The PR3 team was selected by US Rowing at the conclusion of the selection camp, which took place this past week on Mercer Lake in Windsor, N.J.
Wollenschlaeger is set to ship off to Vaires-sur-Marne, France, where the PR3 crews will compete at the 2023 Para Rowing Regatta to Paris on July 8-9. The 2023 World Rowing Championships begin on Sept. 3 in Belgrade, Serbia.
"Growing up, I thought my disability was something that would always hold me back. It brought me endless challenges and prevented me from having the experiences of a normal, able-bodied kid," Wollenschlaeger said. "However, I learned to make the most of my situation and not let my unique challenge stop me from achieving what I always knew I could. Rowing helped me break free from the barriers of my disability and excel despite competing against able-bodied rowers. I would not be the person that I am today without my disability."
Players Mentioned
