Local Olympian Says Chance To Win Medal Outweighs Zika Concerns
CAMBRIDGE – At 30 years old, Gevvie Stone has spent half of her life on the water.
"It's a full time job. I am exercising, just rowing between 20-25 hours a week. It's a 5 a.m. wake-up. It's a 9 p.m. bedtime with some napping in between and a lot of calories. It's a different way of life, but I definitely love it," Stone said.
Her dedication has paid off. In July, the Newton native will head to the summer games in Rio. It will be her second Olympics.
"It really is a sport that rewards hard work and that is pretty special," said Stone.
Stone is expected to rank second in the women's single going into the games, and she might just take home a medal. Stone feels the pressure and admits she can't ignore the mounting concerns over the Zika virus -- because Gevvie Stone is also a doctor.
"My focus now is definitely on rowing and I am no infectious disease expert so I am relying on the experts," said Stone. "I try to focus on what I can control, which is practice every day."
Stone recently graduated from Tufts Medical School and will focus on her residency after the Olympics. It will mean an end to her professional rowing career, but will mark the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
"Aim high and work hard and don't forget to have fun along the way," said Stone.
Stone is coached by her father, Gregg Stone. Her mother, Lisa, also competed in the 1976 Montreal games.
