Men's Rowing: 10 Questions with Sam Halbert

10 QUESTIONS WITH . . . WASHINGTON ROWING STALWART SAM HALBERT

ere are 10 great questions and answers from Washington Rowing stalwart Sam Halbert in a conversation with Go Huskies.

As someone who's from this area, what is your favorite place to visit in Seattle?

“Some of my favorite places to visit are Seattle’s parks. Discovery, Golden Gardens, and Magnuson Park are some of my favorites.”

Where is the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled to, either for a personal trip or for rowing?

“The most interesting place I have gone for rowing is Lucerne, Switzerland. It was my first time in Europe and the history in a lot of the cities was super interesting.”

What do you do in your free time?

“I enjoy playing guitar and going on hikes. Last summer, I also began to get into track cycling. Most of my quarantine was spent at Marymoor Park on their velodrome.”

If you were to create a slogan for your life what would it be?

“I would say “Capitalize on opportunities”. That is a mindset that UW rowing teaches. Similar to the slogan “when life gives you lemons…”. I always try and capitalize on opportunities that come my way.”

What are the things on your personal bucket list?

“One bucket list item that keeps on changing is to “go as far as I can in rowing”. I keep on improving every year and want to go until I peak. Another item is to grow a thick mustache.”

Who is your biggest inspiration(s) in why you row? Please explain.

“I have always been inspired by my parents. They have supported me through this whole process, and I could not have made it here without them.”

What do you love most about rowing?

“What I love about rowing is the people you meet. I love the saying, “Iron sharpens iron” and the quality of people I surround myself with makes me a better person. I love the community that surrounds UW rowing and the support that we get from alumni.”

If not for rowing, what sport would you pursue – and why?

“I would get into triathlons. I love running and biking, so I would just need to learn to swim better than treading water.”

Can you talk about some of the experiences that have been opened up to you through rowing and how they have impacted your life?

“One thing that I have been able to do through rowing at the UW is meet people from all over the world. I love hearing about other cultures and experiences. Having a network of friends from around the world is something that I would never have if not for rowing.”

If you could invite any famous person to dinner, either someone currently living or someone from the past, who would it be – and why?

“Probably Napoleon Bonaparte just to confirm his actual height.”