Folsom native Michelle Sechser’s first interest in the sport of rowing came when she was 14-years-old. After she had watched her older sister enjoy the sport, she joined the Folsom’s Capital Crew and the rest is history with plenty of future as well. Now at 37, Sechser will be making the trip to Paris to compete in upcoming 2024 Olympics.
Sechser will be taking to the French waters in July, competing in the lightweight women’s double sculls, according to U.S. Rowing, the national governing body for rowing in the United States. This marks Sechser’s second appearance representing Folsom at the Olympics, following her participation in the women’s lightweight doubles in Tokyo, where she finished fifth alongside Molly Reckford.
Following her fifth-place finish in Tokyo, Sechser already had her sights set on another opportunity to compete at the Olympic level. Now, she is fulfilling her dream for the second time, showing unwavering dedication to the sport she loves.
From her high school days to the present, Sechser has remained committed to rowing, continually adding to her impressive athletic career. Notable highlights include winning the lightweight double sculls at the 2021 World Rowing Final Olympic Qualification Regatta and securing a third-place finish in the 2011 Pan American Games. More recently, she claimed a silver medal in the 2023 World Championships, adding to her previous participations in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022, where she also earned a bronze medal in 2017.
After graduating locally, Sechser pursued her higher education at the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma, where she earned her MBA. During the off-season, she enjoys competing on land, particularly cycling and racing bikes.
The 2024 Olympic Games will take place this summer from Friday, July 26, through Sunday, August 11. According to the event schedule, Sechser’s competition is scheduled for July 27.
