Danvers, Massachusetts is the birthplace and upbringing of American para-rower Alex Flynn. At the 2023 World Championships, he placed second in the PR3 mixed four with the coxswain, earning him a spot in the Paris Paralympics in 2024.
Alex Flynn qualifies for the Paris Paralympic 2024
Alex Flynn kept his place on the US Team for 2023. He and his teammates in the PR3 mixed four+ boat became better rowers. They went to the 2023 Para Rowing Regatta in Paris in July. This regatta was held on the same course where the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place next summer in Vaires-sur-Marne, France. The US team won gold in this event, finishing the race in less than seven minutes. This gave the team high hopes before the World Championships in Serbia from September 3-10.
At the World Championships on September 3, the US team came second in their heat with a time of 7 minutes 13.06 seconds. The strong Great Britain team was ahead of them with 7 minutes 07.29 seconds. Coming second in the heat meant the American team automatically qualified for the A Final on September 9. In the A Final, they won the silver medal with a time of 7 minutes 25.01 seconds. From the heats to the final, they reduced the gap with the Great Britain team significantly. Great Britain won gold, finishing just under three seconds ahead at 7 minutes 22.20 seconds.
Flynn’s PR3 mixed four+ team had Saige Harper from Sacred Heart University and coxswain Emilie Eldracher from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who rowed in last year’s boat too. They were joined by new team members Ben Washburne from Williams College and Skylar Dahl from the University of Virginia.
“Winning silver felt unreal,” “At the beginning of the summer we set a goal to win a medal and I’m super proud of the work we put in to accomplish it. We knew we had the fitness and skills to do it and being able to execute it at the largest stage shows the focus and determination of the crew. I’m super excited to see what else we can accomplish in the future.”
Flynn said.
Alex Flynn’s Early Life, Born, Education
Alex Flynn is a para-rower from the USA. He was born and raised in Danvers, Massachusetts. Flynn is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds.
He is currently in his second year at Tufts University, where he is studying and also rows actively. Flynn found his love for rowing when he was in high school at St. John’s Prep in Danvers. He faced challenges because of a left clubfoot, which does not let him bend that foot upwards. This has caused muscle loss in the calf of his left leg.
Despite these difficulties, Flynn has shown great hard work and commitment to the sport of rowing. His journey into para-rowing started with the help of Tom Siddall, who was previously an assistant coach for the Tufts men’s rowing team. Since then, Flynn has become one of the best para-rowers in the country.
Alex Flynn’s Career So Far
In 2022, Flynn quickly became one of the best para-rowers in the country. He earned a place on the US Para Rowing National Team for 2022. He was part of the PR3 mixed four+ team that came fifth at the World Rowing Championships in the Czech Republic last year.
In 2023, Alex Flynn became the first Tufts University men’s rower to win an international medal. He was part of the team that came second in the PR3 mixed four with coxswain event at the 2023 World Rowing Championships on September 9.
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The PR3 rowing category is for people with a disability who can still use their legs, trunk, and arms. Flynn has a left clubfoot, which stops him from bending that foot upwards. This has caused muscle loss in the calf of his left leg.
At the 2023 World Rowing Championships, he won the Silver Medal in the PR3 mixed four with coxswain event. He also won the Gold Medal in the same PR3 mixed four with coxswain event at the 2023 Para Rowing Regatta in Paris.
