Michelle Sechser hopes to inspire younger generations

(NEXSTAR) — Olympic lightweight rower Michelle Sechser is preparing to compete in her second Olympic Games in Paris this summer. She encourages young athletes not to be afraid to dream big.

“I would love to inspire the younger generations and again, looking back at young Michelle, I would never have guessed the national team in a million years. I would never have imagined it would be a world record or a double Olympic appearance,” Sechser said.

The 37-year-old from Folsom, California, started rowing when she was 14 years old. She competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and won silver at the 2023 World Championships.

Sechser said she was looking forward to competing in Paris.

“I’m very excited about the race itself,” Sechser said. “For me it’s about competing at the highest level of our sport, the best in the world.”

The Olympic rowing team will be announced in early June.