For the members of yola 2 from Naval Sports Association (ADN), winners of the 2018 edition of the Guayaquil-Posorja rowing regatta, competing in this race will always be a challenge. The satisfaction of winning makes tiredness nonexistent for them and reaching the finish line is a pride.

The rowers have to cover 56 nautical miles (103 kilometers) in the traditional journey, one of the longest in the world, where physical fitness prevails along with emotional and mental strength.

"We always have the conviction to do our best and achieve victories. After competing, we try to recover with plenty of hydration and do light movements to release physical strain," said Cristian Zambrano, who shows his blistered hands from hours of intense rowing.

"We prepare ourselves physically and mentally to not despair. Maybe when we change from fresh water to saltwater (from the river to the sea), there is some anxiety, but quitting the competition never crosses our minds. We have a commitment to the institution and to ourselves," Zambrano added.

Zenen Landázuri, Zambrano's teammate, agreed with his viewpoint and considered this a true test of love for the sport. "During the competition, one may get anxious due to the expectation of winning, but the key is to know how to control oneself. Rowing in the country is practiced out of love for this sport. There are clubs that may not have resources, but they do everything to be here," said Landázuri, who has competed in the traditional journey for several seasons.

Carlos Paredes added that the title is the result of the daily training effort they put in.

"To recover from a race day, the important thing is to hydrate properly and have a good diet. This competition, for all rowers, is for the brave," said Paredes.

"During the journey, there is sometimes a feeling of desperation due to the stretches covered in darkness, but we are psychologically prepared for that. All rowers compete in this regatta out of love for our institutions and for the sport," added Paredes, who served as the fourth rower of the championship boat in yesterday's journey.

Competing in this regatta is an honor, thanks to God, victory was achieved. This (the victory) is the result of effort.
Carlos Paredes, rower of ADN 2

(D)