4:05 p.m., Sept. 7, 2007--Ivan Baldychev, a former member of the UD Men's Rowing Club who graduated in 2006 with a degree in chemical engineering, finished sixth in the World Rowing Championships held Aug. 26-Sept. 2 in Munich, Germany.

One of three American single scull racers to win their heats on Saturday, Aug. 25, Baldychev advanced to the semifinals, where he came in second with a time of 7:45.18. In the finals, Baldychev finished in sixth place with a time of 7:19.73.

“I am very amazed by my performance. It was quite a surprise for me,” Baldychev said. “We never know what we are capable of until the situation arises or we find our true passion, to bring our best to the surface.”

Baldychev earned his trip to Munich by winning the men's lightweight category for single rowers at the U.S. Rowing world championship trials held July 31-Aug. 3 at Mercer Lake in West Windsor, N.J., with a time of 7:06.95.

“I was a little surprised that I did so well, but I'm very happy that I won,” Baldychev, a member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Club Rowing Association, said. “I won on the last day of the world championship trials. I knew that this would be my last race before the world finals in Munich. I gave it all I had. I tried to go as fast as I could.”

UD Men's Crew Head Coach Chuck Crawford said that Baldychev's success exemplifies the level of commitment that he displayed as a member of the UD Men's Rowing Club.

“Ivan's performances clearly demonstrate that hard work and effort can take a person as far as they can dream,” Crawford said. “Let us [members of the current UD Men's Rowing Club] congratulate Ivan and be inspired to perform at a level this year that takes the University of Delaware to gold medals at the championship regattas next spring.”

A University of Pennsylvania graduate student in chemical engineering, Baldychev said that a typical six-day training week involves working out for a minimum of at least an hour each morning and evening.

“Sometimes the training may last up to two hours per session,” Baldychev said. “The closer I get to a major competition, the less time I spend in intense training, in order to rejuvenate my muscles and stay fresh.”

Baldychev said that he hopes to participate in the 2008 Olympic Games. “I am very satisfied with my experience at the world championships, and I look forward to next year, when I will be trying to get to Beijing on the U.S. Olympic Team.”

Rowing at UD was a rewarding experience, Baldychev said, because it gave him a great sense of community while doing something he really enjoyed.

“Rowing at UD was a lot of fun. We traveled a lot and met a lot of very interesting people,” Baldychev said. “Rowing also brings out the best part of your character. By trying to do your best, you help the team do better.”

Evan Price, who graduated in 2004 with a double major in political science and international relations and history, reached the semifinal competition at the world championship trials.

A native of Butler, Pa., Price trains with the Penn Athletic Club Rowing Association in Philadelphia.

Article by Jerry Rhodes