Fitness Expert Competes Against World

When your idol is former Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi, winning coach of the first two Super Bowl championships, it’s difficult to accept coming in second place.

“The main reason I’m disappointed is because I’m a very competitive person and Vince Lombardi is one of my heroes,” said Steve Krum, indoor rowing enthusiast and general manager of Spectrum Athletic Club in El Segundo. “I’m looking at one of Vince’s quotes on my wall and it says, ‘There’s no room for second place. Second place is the first loser.’”

Regardless of the pressure he imposes upon himself, Krum, 57, grabbed the silver medal in the age 55-59 heavyweight men’s division at the 2012 CRASH-B World Indoor Rowing Championships, held February 20 in Boston, Massachusetts.

Krum, a resident of Manhattan Beach, outshined a field that brought competitors from across the globe and across the country, and the Spectrum GM said he got his start in the peculiar sport during his time in college.

“It came about because I’m a fitness enthusiast and I like to stay in shape,” Krum said of his involvement with indoor rowing. “Someone eventually told me that I needed to get on a rowing machine because it’s a great conditioner.”

Krum, a Colorado State Alum, played football throughout college and participated in other outdoor activities, but enjoyed rowing during the offseason.

“I got on it during the winter months in Colorado when you couldn’t cycle much, and I loved it because it was the best total body conditioner I’ve ever experienced,” Krum said.

Krum decided to take up indoor rowing professionally and has since competed in at least two rowing competitions per year for the past 15 years.

In fact, coming into this year’s World Championships, Krum was the two-time defending age 55-59 heavyweight men’s champion, before he was unseated nearly a week ago, losing to Finland’s Rainer Hakamaki.

“I was trying to three-peat but I just didn’t have it this year,” said Krum, who actually improved his time from a year ago. “I’m disappointed but it’s actually motivated me to get back on it and go back next year and see if I can beat this guy.”