- December 20, 2024
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Not only has Orlando Area Rowing Society’s Tyler Murphy represented the United States for a second time at the U19 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharine’s, Canada, earlier this month, but this time, the Olympia High senior is bringing home a silver medal as part of the U19 Men’s eight boat.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound rower has been making a name for himself on the international stage for a few years now, but locally as part of the OARS crew and the Olympia student body he’s been the gold standard. He set the fastest 2K time ever for OARS and, as part of a two-man boat, he finished first at the 2023 U19 USRowing team trials. He’s also the Titans’ senior class president.
Age: 18
Sport: Rowing
Grade: Senior
School: Olympia High
Team: Orlando Area Rowing Society
How does it feel to be named Athlete of the Week?
I’m honored to be named Athlete of the Week, and I’m happy I can share a little bit of my success and story with those 3ho are interested.
What is your biggest goal in rowing?
My biggest goal now is to find a university and team that suits me best, so I can be set up for at least the next four years.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from rowing?
Hard work can pay off, and if you know something you’re doing is helpful to you … do it more to help you grow.
What is your goal for this season?
My goal for this season is to leave my program at home in the best shape it’s ever been.
How was the experience of competing at the World Championships?
Competing at the World Championships was very fun but eye-opening when it came to the level of competition. When we are on the starting line and they’re polling the countries … it really makes you feel like you’re in something much greater. It adds pressure and adds way more emotion to the competition.
What do you like the most about rowing?
My favorite thing about rowing is how at the varying levels of intensity and excitement, you are still doing the same movements, so it encourages precision in your athleticism and when building your base.
What is your favorite rowing memory?
Medaling for the U.S. at the World Championships this year.
What is your go-to pre-regatta meal?
Usually a bowl of fresh fruit.
What is your go-to pre-regatta hype song?
“Summer 91” by Noizu.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Probably environmental science, because it’s very real and applicable to our lives.
What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
I would take an ax, a fishing kit and a radio.
What is your favorite movie?
“Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith,” because of all of the action and energy from start to finish.
If you could have dinner with one person — dead or alive — whom would it be?
I’d have dinner with my grandpa, because I didn’t get to know him very well. I wish I could’ve, though.
If you could go back in time to a specific period in history, when and where would you go?
I would go back to the mid-20th century, because life seemed simpler and more care free then.
Looking back, what piece of advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to enjoy each day more.
If you could ask your future self a question, what would it be?
I would ask my future self if he regretted building my life around athletics rather than a skill set or other hobby.
Who is your favorite superhero?
Iron Man, because he’s a super rich, confident and smart guy — but he is also a good person when he needs to be.
Who is your favorite supervillain?
Darth Vader, just because he’s so iconic and scary — but also has a deeper character beyond the suit.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want to be able to read minds, because it would make day-to-day life easier.
If you could travel to three places in the world, where would you go and why?
I would travel to the Mediterranean, the Himalayas and somewhere in Africa to really get a solid feel for what the earth is really like naturally.
If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
I would be a dog … to see if they understand everything we say and do.
What is your most controversial food take?
I don’t think ketchup and eggs make any sense at all.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
Pineapple can be on pizza, just not mine.
