Benjamin Washburne (born April 17, 2001) is an American pararower. He represented the United States at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.

Ben Washburne
Personal information
Full nameBenjamin Washburne
Born (2001-04-17) April 17, 2001 (age 23)[1]
Madison, Connecticut, U.S.
EducationWilliams College
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight185 lb (84 kg)
Sport
CountryUnited States
SportPararowing
DisabilityClubfoot
Medal record
Pararowing
Representing the  United States
Paralympic Games
Silver medal – second place 2024 Paris PR3 Mix4+
World Rowing Championships
Silver medal – second place 2023 Belgrade PR3 Mix4+

Early life and education

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Washburne was born with a left clubfoot. He underwent several surgeries, requiring him to use a wheelchair during his childhood and relearn how to walk.[2] He broke his left leg playing soccer in gym class in fifth grade and had surgery to rebuild his foot.[3] He attended Hopkins School in New Haven, Connecticut and began rowing in eighth grade. He also rowed for the Blood Street Sculls.[4]

He then attended Williams College and was a member of the rowing team.[5] He graduated with a degree in physics and economics.[6] In 2023, he helped Williams College win the IRA Division III rowing title.[7] Following the season he was named to the All-NESCAC second team and awarded the John A. Shaw Award in 2023.[1][8]

Career

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Washburne made his international debut at the 2023 World Rowing Championships and won a silver medal in the PR3 Mixed coxed four event with a time of 7:25.01.[9][10]

On January 19, 2024, he was selected to represent the United States at the 2024 Summer Paralympics.[11][12] He won a silver medal in the mixed coxed four event.[13][14]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Ben Washburne". Paris 2024 Paralympics. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  2. ^ Kounelias, Justin (May 28, 2024). "Paralympic rower Ben Washburne views being on the water as a 'great escape'". WDHN. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  3. ^ Riley, Lori (July 7, 2023). "Madison's Ben Washburne found his niche, will compete for US para rowing team at World Championships". Hartford Courant. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  4. ^ Catley, Kim (August 22, 2024). "From "Rough Product" to Disciplined Athlete". Williams College. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  5. ^ "Ben Washburne". ephsports.williams.edu. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  6. ^ "Meet Ben Washburne, Paris 2024 Paralympian". usrowing.org. April 17, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  7. ^ "Williams Captures IRA Division III Rowing Title". nescac.com. June 3, 2023. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  8. ^ "Ben Washburne". usrowing.org. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  9. ^ "Ben Washburne '23 Brings World Rowing Silver Medal Home to the States". ephsports.williams.edu. September 25, 2023. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  10. ^ Chinman, Luke (October 4, 2023). "Ben Washburne '23 rows with Paralympic-qualifying national team, earns silver at World Rowing Championships". The Williams Record. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  11. ^ "Ben Washburne '23 Named to USRowing PR3 Mixed Four With Coxswain Boat Competing in the 2024 Paralympics This Summer in Paris". ephsports.williams.edu. January 19, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  12. ^ "Former Williams College Rower Ben Washburne '23 to Compete in the PR3 Mixed Four with Coxswain at the Paralympics in Paris". Williams College. August 21, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  13. ^ "PR3 Mixed Four Wins Silver at 2024 Paralympic Games". rowingnews.com. September 1, 2024. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  14. ^ Kurie, Brendan (September 1, 2024). "Three Massachusetts rowers capture silver medals at Paris Paralympics". The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
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