Conqu'ring Heroes: Tomek Adds Michigan Hall of Honor to List of Accolades
11/17/2022 10:29:00 AM | Rowing, Features
By Morgan Wagner
It is not every day that an athlete gets to live out their dream as an Olympian. For former University of Michigan rower Ellen Tomek, the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Games did not present itself once, but three times over the course of her career.
This week Tomek joined the Conqu'ring Heroes Podcast to talk about her time at Michigan, her professional career and getting inducted into the U-M Hall of Honor.
Tomek, hailing from Flushing, Mich., was a member of Michigan's varsity rowing team from 2003-06. Throughout her time at Michigan, she was a part of two Big Ten Championship teams in both 2003 and 2004 as a freshman and sophomore.
Tomek reflects fondly on the memories that were made during the many rowing trips she took with her teammates and coaches.
"I'm still in touch with a lot of them," said Tomek. "Great friends. Rowing was just a sport that brought us all together. The competition, the time, the grueling training sessions on the water just sort of brings people closer together."
The success of the team, according to Tomek, was becoming one entity and not just as a team. She stressed the importance of also becoming one with the boat, oars, waters and conditions. To be victorious, those in team boats need to "completely surrender" their needs, thoughts and preferences for the greater good of the team.
"It's about the team, it's about representing the university," said Tomek. "And I think that's why Michigan has been so successful year after year."
Mark Rothstein has been the head coach of the rowing program for the past three decades, and the only person to ever coach the Wolverines. Tomek believes that he has structured the program very well and really instills the value of performing for the greater good in his rowers.
When asked about the changing team dynamics between the 2003 and 2004 teams that won Big Ten titles, Tomek revealed that it is all about time, effort and intention.
"Throughout the year, we were changing lineups, it's about boat chemistry," said Tomek. "There's a lot of time spent off the water where you're looking for things in common. You're looking for things off the water that can help you bond with your teammates on the water. You really have to put in the time and effort outside of practice as well. You have to be flexible and you have to be willing to adapt and, again, it's for the greater good of the team."
Tomek notes that although both of the squads were successful in taking home Big Ten Championship trophies, they were two very unique and special teams in different ways. She compliments the leadership on both teams for keeping them on the same pages with their eyes on a common goal.
"I remember having lots of boat meetings outside of practice," said Tomek. "They weren't required, we just chose to do that ourselves. We wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page and everyone had the same goals. It's a really amazing feeling when your body and brain sort of surrender to the physical pain you're putting yourself through because you're working for other people."
In her senior season, Tomek earned the title of Michigan Rowing Athlete of the Year in 2006, and two years later she found herself rowing in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. She is one of Michigan's two three-time female Olympians, also competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Tomek credits her 14-year professional rowing career to the medical staff that kept her healthy as well as the family and friends who supported her through various injuries and financial obstacles.
"I had a team of people helping me throughout (my career) and so it makes it even more special because it wasn't just about me getting to the Olympics and competing all those times," said Tomek. "I had so many people surrounding me, helping me and supporting me along the way."
Not only did Tomek compete in a trifecta of Olympic Games, she also was an 11-time member of the U.S. Rowing National Team collecting seven international medals.
"Being an Olympian and earning a spot on those three (Olympic) teams is such a great honor because there's so many people who are working hard for those spots," said Tomek. "It's really an honor to have made each and every one of those teams."
On top of the many honors and accolades that Tomek has received over the years, the newest one that she can add to her resume is University of Michigan Hall of Honor inductee. On Saturday (Nov. 12) she and six other alumni were officially added to the Hall of Honor.
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