PRINCETON, N.J. – The Shea Rowing Center had four Princeton Tigers earn spots on the United States U-23 National Team following their performances at National Team Trials at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Fla.
The Princeton men's heavyweight pair of Floyd Benedikter and Nick Taylor disposed the second-place boat by 9.5 seconds to finish with a time of 6:47.53.
Floyd Benedikter, Princeton Associate Head Coach Matt Smith, Nick Taylor
Princeton men's lightweight Nick Aronow caught his Tigers' teammate Matt Willer in the final five strokes, crossing the line at 7:13.60, just .3 seconds in front of Willer.
Princeton women's open rower Ella Barry secured a spot as she was second in the single sculls event (8:02.79), but the first-place finisher declined her invitation.
With their finishes, these four will now represent the U.S. at the 2022 World Rowing U-23 World Championships in Varese, Italy this July.
Benedikter has plenty of international experience as he helped Germany 8+ secure bronze at the 2021 U-23 World Championships and secured fifth in 2019.
"It was a quick turnaround from IRAs and with some intense technical coaching, we got into a very serious level quickly," said Benedikter. "I've represented Germany for four straight years and I'm very proud to represent my home country this year in a very challenging boat class."
"I think the qualification reflects the jobs that coaching staff, alums and the athletic department do to help us compete," said Taylor. "Without them, this would not have possible."
This is the second U-23 team for Aronow, who finished seventh in the 2021 U-23 single scull event.
"It's an incredible opportunity to represent the United States and Princeton internationally, and I'm really excited to able to have that experience," said Aronow.
"I'm extremely grateful to have the chance to race the single at the U-23 Worlds this summer," said Barry. "I have had so many amazing rowing opportunities here in the United Sttes during high school and my first year at Princeton so I'm proud to be representing the United States internationally."
