Hi, I’m Frank - and I am an Olympic Rowing Hopeful! My dream is to race at the 2028 Olympic Games in the Men's Single Scull Event. As an American and Colombian Dual Citizen, I have 2 chances to make it onto the National Rowing Teams.
I've put together information below for my Plan of Action, why I'm doing this, and how I'm going to make this happen.
Every Goal Starts with a Vision.
I have been rowing for 15 years now, and my resolve has never been stronger. I have an Olympic goal and a game plan to make it happen.
Your Questions,
Answered
Why Try Out for the Olympic Games Now?
I'm doing this because this goal is authentic to me. I've had this vision since I was just a boy. I first got a taste of true raw competition when I successfully walked onto the Division I - Men's Rowing Program at Syracuse University (had no experience, but I had the guts to bet on myself). I want to compete against the best in the world. Lastly, as I already achieved my first career goal of becoming a Licensed Architect and opening up my own architectural practice (Fuentes Architecture), it's now time for my Olympic Quest.
This is My Multi-Year Plan:
September 2026: Compete (and WIN) the Men's Single Event at the 2026 World Masters Regatta in Bled, Slovenia
UPDATE: I already registered for the event, booked my flight, and hotel. I'm going there, and I'm going for the gold!
October 2026: Submit my online erg scores to the U.S. National Rowing Team.
November 2026: Compete at the USRowing Winter Speed Order Regatta.
March 2027: Attend and try out for the U.S. National Rowing Team at the National Team Selection Regatta.
If I don't win the singles event, then my secondary goal is to achieve an invitation to train with the National Team for the other rowing events.
April 2027: Attend and try out for the Colombian National Rowing Team.
July 2027: Represent Colombia at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru and qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
August 2027: Represent Colombia in Lucerne, Switzerland at the World Rowing Championships and qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
Summer 2028: Compete at the 2028 Olympics!
What I already have going for me:
First and foremost: my strong mindset. I believe in myself. I know I will do it, and I will prove it to myself. This statement will become a fact in 2028.
I already have my own rowing boat, rowing oars, an indoor rowing erg, and a lifetime subscription to my gym.
I am fortunate and grateful for my healthy and able body.
I have local, regional, and national rowing experience. This September, I’ll gain international rowing experience.
As of today’s date, I’ve already raised money! People believe in me and this goal, join me! This fundraising goal is realistic and based on a budget. Reference the budget here.
What I’ve done so far to prove my serious commitment to my goal:
To date, I've completed 15,855,248 meters (9,851 miles and counting) on the erg (rowing machine) alone. This is equivalent to ~40% of the Earth's circumference.
In 2018, my rowing partner and I placed 3rd in the nation at the USRowing Master National Regatta.
In 2023, I attended a weeklong rowing camp and won the Head of the Hosmer regatta at Craftsbury Rowing Club.
In 2024, I hired a former Olympic Athlete for 1-on-1 coaching. During my coaching, I significantly advanced my rowing technique and mental strength.
In 2024, my Mixed B 8+ crew and I placed 3rd in the nation at the USRowing Master National Regatta.
In 2025, my Men's A 8+ crew and I placed 1st in the nation at the USRowing Master National Regatta.
I have kept a training journal and documented my improvement in fitness, strength, and rowing technique over the years.
On average, I dedicate 20 hours per week to training. I intend to increase this weekly average gradually over the year.
I work full-time and train outside of work hours. If I reach my fundraising goal by the end of 2026, I would take a leave of absence from work to train full-time.
How are financial contributions spent?
Qualifying for entry into the Olympics entails qualifying for the Men’s Single Event in 2027 either via the World Championships or the Pan American Games. I’ve created a budget to show how financial contributions will be invested. See the planned budget here for more information. I intend to allocate financial contributions only to the cost of international airfare (basic economy), hotel accommodation, equipment rental (if applicable), nutrition, regatta fee(s), and miscellaneous costs.
Trust that every dollar you contribute will be spent intentionally toward this goal.
What happens if you fail?
I’ve already failed many times in life, yet I keep coming back and keep trying hard. I know “failure” and “regret” very well.
Regardless of the odds against me and the ultimate racing outcome, I will deeply regret not trying this opportunity at all.
In short, my fear of regret is worse than my fear of failure - so why not just give it my all anyway?
How You Can Help:
I'm raising $17,716 over the next two years to support my path to Olympic Greatness.
Every dollar makes a difference.
Will you make a one-time contribution?
Donate Here: rowfrankrow.com/donate
*The first 50 Individual Donors Get Their Name Printed on my uniform (assuming you want this lol)
DONATION STATUS TRACKER: $1,019 raised as of today’s date!
