In the world of competitive rowing, few stories are as poignant as that of Kelsey and Erin Reelick.
Hailing from Connecticut, both sisters have spent years perfecting their skills on the water, each aspiring to be part of the prestigious USA rowing team.
However, this summer, there was only space for one of them.
In an extraordinary display of sibling love, Erin made the difficult decision to step back from the selection camp, allowing Kelsey to secure the spot on the team.
Despite neither sister having competed in the Olympics before, Erin felt that Kelsey, who had participated in the last two world championships, deserved the opportunity more.
After a two-year hiatus from rowing, Erin believed her sister’s dedication made her the better choice.
“I’m still convinced it was the right choice,” Erin shared with CT Insider. “I’m thrilled for her. It’s a dream we both shared. Our parents will get to support one of us at the Games, and that’s incredible.
I’m really happy about that.”
Erin also encouraged Kelsey, saying, “You’ve been working at this longer than I have.
You should take this chance and go win a [damn] medal.”
Their Journey Together
The Reelick sisters, aged 32 and 30, are incredibly close.
They rose through the youth rowing ranks together and later clinched Ivy League championships at Princeton. Kelsey took a three-year break from rowing after college, while Erin competed in the 2018 and 2019 world championships.
Despite Kelsey earning the spot for Paris, the journey hasn’t been without its emotional challenges.
“It’s really tough to feel fully happy and excited about going to the Olympics when I know my deserving and wonderful sister isn’t going,” Kelsey admitted.
Mixed Emotions
Kelsey revealed that her success is tinged with regret.
“I sometimes think about how I got here and feel sadness. It will always be a bit of an asterisk next to this experience for me,” she said.
Erin, meanwhile, has struggled with feelings of guilt, worried that her decision might overshadow Kelsey’s achievement.
She won’t be attending the Olympics, but her sacrifice speaks volumes about the strength of their bond.
As the women’s rowing events kick off on July 27, the Reelick sisters’ story remains a touching example of familial support and sacrifice.
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