2018 Athletes in Excellence Award Winner
In the summertime, Manu Abreu Motta starts her day early, while most people are still sleeping. As a rower training for the 2020 Olympics, discipline and training are critical to her success.
The first part of her morning consists of a three-hour personal training session, rowing in her single rowing scull. She then greets her fellow Row LA participants, a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization that seeks to instill confidence and provide opportunities to teenage girls through rowing.
After the morning coaching session, Manu resumes her solo training. Then, in the afternoon, she works closely with Row LA’s competitive rowing team. While Manu has an intense focus on the Olympics, it is her role as a coach and mentor that truly fulfills her.
Manu’s Story
Manu first started rowing in 2004 in her native São Paulo, Brazil. She taught rowing in Brazil for years, before embarking on a journey to the United States in 2016. In her short time here, through her work with Row LA, Manu has already made a significant impact on the lives of a number of young people.
Row LA works with a diverse group of teenage girls, most of whom come from families who experience financial difficulty. Manu is the coach for the new rowers; she is responsible for engaging her young students, while furthering their understanding and love of the sport. To do this, Manu brings her own sense of fun to coaching, incorporating music and making the activities lively and engaging.
Row LA Director, Liz Greenberger, praises Manu’s approach to mentoring. “Manu has a very inspiring way of working with these students, respecting their backgrounds and family challenges while encouraging them to strive for excellence. She models for them the positive results of hard work and dedication to the demanding sport she loves.”
We look forward to cheering for Manu in the 2020 Olympic Games!
Athletic Achievements
- 2005 Brazilian Junior National Championship – 2nd place in 1x and 2x
- 2007 LW 3rd 1x
- 2007 Brazilian Championship – 4th 1x Openweight
- 2008 Brazilian Trials for Beijing Olympics – 2nd 2x
- 2009 Brazilian Trials – 1st W8 under 23
- 2009 Windmere Cup UW – Women’s 8+ – 3rd
- 2009 Brazilian National Championship – 2nd 4x Openweight
- 2010 Brazilian National Championship – 1st 2x under 23
- 2010 South American Championship (Team Brazil) – 2nd 2x under 23
- 2011 Brazilian National Championship – 2nd 2x LW
- 2012 Brazilian National Championship – 2nd 1x LW
- 2015 Brazilian National Championship – 2nd 1x LW
- 2015 Rio Olympics trials – 1st 1x LW
- 2016 Rio Olympics – Substitute 2x LW
- 2017 Brazilian National Championship – 3rd 2x OW, 2nd 2x LW, 2nd 4x OW
- 2018 Brazilian National Championship – 6th 1x LW
