Brothers Erik Storck '07 and John Storck have progressed far enough in the sport of sailing to be considered for the United States' Olympic team. The two have been sailing together for their entire lives, and have become so tuned in with each other that they are teammates in every sense of the word. While Olympic trials are a tough and rigorous process, the brothers seem ready.
Adding an extra dynamic to this Olympic bid is the fact that John is currently coaching Erik as the assistant coach of the Dartmouth team. However, the brother/brother and coach/athlete dynamic has not tainted the duo's drive for success.
While the chances of qualifying are slim among a field consisting of the country's top sailors, the duo is ready for the long road of training over the summer leading up to the qualifying effort.
"The format is intense," John said. "It is close to two weeks of racing against the best in the country -- this definitely helps to ensure that the best boat goes. It is going to be a great experience, and we are both psyched."
By the admission of both teammates, the chances of success are limited. While the brothers are confident in their abilities and teamwork, they also understand that they are rookies in the world of professional sailing. Most top athletes pay their dues over the course of many years to progress among the ranks of the nation's top sailors.
"I do have confidence in our sailing abilities and think that we can do well, but there are a few teams that have been putting in hard time for the past couple of years while we have been finishing up college and dealing with other necessary aspects of our lives," John said. "Another fact is that only a handful of people in history have qualified for the games in their first try. We are pumped to do well, but are realistic in our less-than-likely chance to win."
John and Erik hope that this is not a one-shot opportunity. However, realistically they both understand that this may be their only chance.
What makes this story particularly special is that sailing has been such an integral part of the Storck family throughout the two young men's lives.
"Our family has been sailing since I can remember," Erik said. "Going on sailing trips with my parents, sister and brother were some of my greatest times as a kid."
The brothers are not the only ones in the Storck family with sailing skill. Sister Kaity Storck is a sophomore at Tufts and is doing well for the Jumbos.
"We have been sailing together in some capacity for our entire lives," John said.
As could be anticipated, the close quarters and long hours that were required to ascend to the top of the sport have brought on a share of quarrels.
"We do have our scuffles as a team, but being brothers seems to make them disappear faster," John said. "I guess we both realize that no matter what happens we are stuck with each other, so being pissed is just a waist of time."
It is evident that the family connection for this team has propelled them to success. Coaching his brother has allowed John to connect with Erik, see his style and watch him dominate the college circuit.
The Storck brothers are going to spend as much time on the water as possible to prepare for the Olympic trials.
"More importantly, we will be sailing as much as we can. The boat will be in Newport all summer, and we hope to get a lot of time in on the water," John said.
This team certainly understands the true value of serious training and practice. If they are able to progress the way they have throughout their lives, the Storck brothers will be top contenders in the world of sailing in no time.
