Robbie Blevins' Road to Rio

Follow this link for the news story!
http://www.koco.com/news/local-rower-fighting-to-become-olympic-champion-after-lifechanging-car-crash/37383456

Robbie Blevins is a senior at OSU and is paralyzed from the waist (T12) down. He started para rowing years ago when he was living in Kentucky, but had to give it up when he moved to Stillwater, OK to attend college.

Last January he heard about the para rowing event held at the OKC boathouse, where former Paralympian Rob Jones was the speaker.  Robbie was introduced to the OKC para rowing coach, Heidi Ventresca, and began making the 120 mile round trip commute to begin training shortly after.

Robbie Blevins has proven himself as an elite athlete in all aspects of life for multiple years, and his rowing career continues to strive to new heights. I have had multiple para-athletes make the U.S. national team over the last 3 years, but no prior athlete of mine has reached the same level of training intensity as Mr. Blevins. Robbie demonstrates the mental fortitude to keep a clean diet day in and day out, consistently train 2-3 times a day as programmed, maintain his rigorous university studies, and still has the discipline to ensure proper rest and recovery.

Robbie has been prepared to compete in National Team trials in years past, but academic pursuits have had to come first. This year Robbie will graduate from Oklahoma State University in May, and is fully prepared to prioritize his training both on and off the water as well as necessary traveling in order to secure his spot on the U.S. Paralympic Team. Having trained athletes to a para-elite level, studied the competition both nationally and internationally, and repeatedly witnessed Robbie's unparalleled dedication and perpetual growth, I whole-heartedly believe Robbie will represent the United States of America on the Paralympic Team in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is most deserving of any and all assistance in his journey.

Any money donated will go directly to the expenses of attending Paralympic Trials this April in Sarasota, FL, which we expect to cost approximately $3,000.  If Robbie is blessed with any additional funds, they will go towards improving the most vital equipment, including a custom rowing seat, oars, and hopefully a boat.  After team trials, we will reevaluate future needs.

Sincerely,

Coach Heidi Ventresca
And Robbie Blevins!