Lauren Van Oosten may have lost her six-year-old Canadian record to Rhiannon Leier at the Olympic trials but she was still the feel-good story of the meet. Van Oosten clocked a personal best at the trials to make her first Olympic team.
Four years ago, she was considered lock for an Olympic spot at trials after earning the bronze at the 1998 worlds. But she didn't make the team and went into an awful slump. She didn't make the world team in 2001 and the Commonwealth team in 2002. The her fortunes started to turn last year, first on the short course circuit where she broke Canadian records then in long course.
"I always knew there was more in me," said Van Oosten. "There was no way I was going to give up on a down note. The real glory for me is that I got through the hard times. This is 100 percent more satisfying than a world championship medal."
Her parents Joanne and Kees were members of the national rowing team of the Netherlands. She is currently studying Public relations and graphic design.
