Demanding, rewarding, exciting—these three words define senior Olivia Lindemann’s rowing journey, which began at Chicago Rowing Foundation (CRF) summer camps and led her to commit to Princeton University. Her consistent devotion to the sport has helped her secure a bright future in academics and athletics.

Olivia’s rowing journey started her summer of freshman year at CRF. At the time, she was a competitive dancer and was unsure whether she wanted to pursue rowing.

“There was a weekend when there was a dance competition and a race, and I think that’s when my priorities became clear,” she said. “I chose the race, and honestly, when I went back to dance … I knew that I had to get out of that environment.”

Olivia quit competitive dance in the spring of her freshman year to dedicate her time to rowing, joining the CRF girls varsity team.

“The culture on our team is definitely very unique since we all are very close friends but also very competitive among each other,” she said. “We all know when to be serious and when to have fun, which I think makes the dynamic so special.”

Her younger brother, sophomore Blake Lindemann, is a fellow CRF rower and sees this special bond firsthand. “I think she’s met some of her best friends through rowing, and obviously, since her friends are always able to work out with her, it’s a big support system,” he said.

One of the most rewarding moments in her high school career was racing at the U19 World Championships this past summer. Every year, the 20 best athletes under 19 are chosen by US Rowing to race in Trakai, Lithuania and compete in events against other countries. Being chosen for this team was an incredible accomplishment that solidified Olivia’s position as one of the nation’s top rowers.

“[The World Championship] is the most competitive event in the world for U19 rowers, and to be able to experience that level of competition on an international stage was beyond fulfilling,” Olivia said. “I learned so much about the sport and myself as both a person and athlete, which is something I will carry with me throughout my rowing career.”

Fellow CRF rower and junior Leon Baker testified to her achievements. “I was really happy for her, and it made sense,” he said. “She’s really talented, and for her to be recognized for her ability was incredible.”

However, her ambition doesn’t end at participating in the U19 World Championships. In fact, she is eager to participate in the U23 World Championships while at Princeton. The U23 World Championships are more competitive than the U19 competition, because they include athletes who participate in the Olympics or are university athletes.

Olivia’s unwavering dedication to the sport is prevalent not only in large-scale competitions but also in her daily routine. She wakes up at 5:20 a.m. for practice, where she rows on the Chicago River in small boats, called shells, until approximately 7 a.m.

After morning practice, she goes home to shower quickly and get to school on time. After school, she returns to the boathouse at 3:45 p.m. for another two-hour row in the bigger boats. These boats are over 60 feet long and can fit up to eight rowers.

To end practice, she does extra work on the erg (rowing machine) or on the bike until she hits 14k meters or has been working out for an hour. Finally, she gets home at 7:30 p.m. to eat dinner and do her homework. To maintain her strenuous regimen, Olivia is asleep by 9:15 p.m.

Junior and fellow CRF rower Miles Baker has witnessed her grit. “She’s very hardworking and dedicated to what she’s done,” he said. “She takes every single step, she doesn’t cut any corners, and she puts her head down to get the work done. It’s the only way to improve. It shows to her character that she is a hard worker.”

Through every athletic experience, she has relied on support from friends and family to help her push through difficult moments. Olivia dedicates her success to her family, coaches, and friends inside and outside of the rowing community.

“They have all been there for me at my highs and lows,” she said.

Although Olivia has provided Blake with guidance throughout his rowing career, she specifically devotes appreciation to Blake. “[His] support especially has meant so much to me, and it has been so exciting to guide him throughout the beginning of his rowing career,” she said.

Blake also acknowledges the importance of sibling support in a mentally difficult sport like rowing.

“After a tough race when something hard is going on, just being able to listen and talk about the way that you feel is really important,” he said. “I wouldn’t have started rowing if she didn’t, and I think that she is definitely a good role model for showing me what a good expectation is.”

Olivia’s high school career has culminated in her commitment to Princeton University. She notes that the recruitment process was exciting, yet stressful to manage alongside the responsibilities of her junior year.

“I was very lucky to have different schools show interest in me as a student and athlete, but navigating exactly what I wanted in my college experience was challenging,” she said.

“My biggest piece of advice for people going through the recruiting process is to not rush it,” Olivia said. “Finding the right fit for you makes all the difference.”

Edit: The original version of this article was modified to reflect that Olivia has changed her college commitment from the University of California, Berkeley to Princeton University as of March 29.