clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2012 Summer Olympics: Taylor Ritzel Hopes To Make Impact For USA Rowing

Taylor Ritzel will be a key member for USA rowing.

By Ricky O'Donnell
LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND - JULY 08: Jamie Redman and Taylor Ritzel of USA in the Women's Pair during Day 1 of the 2011 Samsung World Rowing Cup III on Lucerne Rotsee on July 8, 2011 in Lucerne, Switzerland. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND - JULY 08: Jamie Redman and Taylor Ritzel of USA in the Women's Pair during Day 1 of the 2011 Samsung World Rowing Cup III on Lucerne Rotsee on July 8, 2011 in Lucerne, Switzerland. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Taylor Ritzel is going to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The 23-year old Larkspur, Colorado native is an accomplished athlete in the rowing community, and will look to be a key part of the USA squad when the Olympic Games get underway on July 27.

Ritzel went from Colorado's Douglas County High School to Yale University, where she helped the Bulldogs win NCAA Championships in 2007, 2008, and 2010. Ritzel is perhaps most notable for her role during the 2012 World Rowing Championships, when she was a member of a team that set a new world record with a time of 5:54:17. Ritzel's team also took home gold at the competition in 2011.

Related: Summer Olympics 2012: Missy Franklin Headlines Colorado Athletes In London

Ritzel is the granddaughter of Red Miller, who was the head coach of the Denver Broncos from 1977-1980. Various rowing competitions will take place from July 28 to August 4. The Olympics get underway on July 27.

For more, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver and check out SB Nation's 2012 Summer Olympics hub.