James Jacob Plihal (born June 19, 1996) is an American rower. At the 2023 Pan American Games, he won gold as a member of the mixed eight competition. He competed at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the men's single sculls.

James Plihal
Personal information
Born (1996-06-19) June 19, 1996 (age 28)
Height6 ft 10 in (208 cm)
Weight218 lb (99 kg)
Sport
SportRowing
Medal record
Men's rowing
Representing  United States
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 2023 Santiago Mixed Eight
Silver medal – second place 2023 Santiago Single sculls

Early life and education

edit

Plihal was born June 19, 1996.[1] He graduated from Vashon Island High School in 2014,[2] then from Northeastern University in 2018 with a degree in architectural studies.[3]

Career

edit

Collegiate career

edit

Plihal rowed competitively for Northeastern University. In 2015, he finished second in the varsity eight at the Eastern Sprints. He was nominated to the IRA All-American team three times and was named team captain in 2016.[3]

National and international career

edit

At the 2017 World Rowing U23 Championships, Plihal finished 14th in the quad sculls. He finished 18th at the same competition the following year. In 2020, he finished fourth in the double sculls at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. In 2022, he finished ninth in the double sculls at the World Rowing Cup II.[3] At the 2023 Pan American Games, Plihal won gold as a member of the mixed eight competition, and silver in the men's single sculls.[4][2]

He competed at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in the men's single sculls, where he placed 13th. His final time (6:41) is an all time US record in the discipline.

Personal life

edit

As of 2023, Plihal lives and trains in Craftsbury, Vermont.[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ "World Rowing - James PLIHAL". World Rowing. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Cal, Pat (November 8, 2023). "Vashon rower brings home silver and gold medals from Pan Am Games". Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber. Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Jacob Plihal – 2023 – Pan American Games Team". USRowing. Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  4. ^ "U.S. Wins Two Golds, Four Medals on Wednesday at 2023 Pan American Games". USRowing. October 25, 2023. Archived from the original on October 30, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.