Buffalo native Emily Regan hit another milestone in her rowing career by making her first Olympic team.
"That's what I've always wanted to do, I've always wanted to go to the Olympics," Regan said.
Regan has a laundry list of accomplishments so far. The 28-year-old Nichols alumna was part of the Women's Eight crew that won gold at the 2015 World Championships in France. She also competed with Team USA when it won gold and set a world record in the 2013 World Cup. But for Regan, the Olympics top all of that.
"I don't think anything can really compare to making your first Olympic team. The World Championships are every year and those are awesome but the Olympics come once every four years. For us as rowers, it's the absolute highlight of a career we can have," Regan explained.
Regan fell in love with rowing in college at Michigan State. She graduated as a First Team All-American and the Big Ten's Rower of the Year.
"Rowing is pretty unique in the fact that there's a lot of people who start in college. At Michigan State we had about 100 girls try out. I don't think it's as uncommon to start in college for rowing," Regan said.
When she first started rowing, Regan immediately had the support of her friends and family that only continues to grow.
"I think anyone who grew up in Buffalo can really appreciate the community that we have. I've received so much support and I think the community makes representing Buffalo so special," Regan said.
And that support will be in full force in Rio. Twelve of Regan's close family members and friends will be there cheering her on.