Emma Preuschl
Entering the 2008 Paralympic Games, Emma Preuschl was a first-time national team and a first-time Paralympian. Nonetheless, Preuschl, who has Erbs Palsy of the brachial plexus, a condition that limits her strength and range of motion in her left arm, was immune to the pressure of the international competition. Her team of Simona Chin (Houston, Texas), James Dean (Pickerinton, Ohio), Jesse Karmazin (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) and Tracy Tackett (Phoenixville, Pa.) claimed the silver medal in the legs, trunks and arms mixed four with coxswain.
She began her athletic career at Irvington Sports Association, playing softball for eight years and coaching her younger sister. She participated in CYO kickball, basketball and volleyball throughout grade school. At Cathedral High School she went on to play softball and run cross country.
Preuschl began her rowing career in college at Purdue University. She worked her way up from the bottom of the roster into a varsity boat by her junior year. She finished her collegiate rowing career with a bronze medal at the Dad Vail National Regatta as a senior. As she finished her degree, she also volunteered as an assistant coach for the Purdue Crew Novice Women's team, as well as train for her first full marathon.
Preuschl earned a degree in dietetics and nutrition, fitness and health from Purdue University. She is currently an assistant coach at the Indianapolis Rowing Center and a part-time personal trainer at Fitness Concepts. Her professional goal is to become a registered dietitian and board certified sports nutritionist. When she is not on the water Preuschl enjoys cooking, camping and gardening.
Before every race, Preuschl eats a peanut butter and banana sandwich and listens to Tom Petty's, "Learning to Fly."
For more about Emma, check out her Web site by visiting
http://lifeofarower.blogspot.com/
Major Achievements:
- 2008: Silver medal, Mixed Coxed Four - LTA - Paralympic Games, Beijing, China
- 2008: First place, adaptive four with coxswain - U.S. Rowing National Championships
- 2007: Third place, junior varsity eight - Dad Vail Regatta
