From Bates to the Games

Andrew Byrnes ’05 is a member of the Canadian men’s eight crew that captured the gold medal Aug. 17 during the 2008 Olympics — Canada’s first medal in the event since 1992.

“We’ve pushed each other so hard and have such a great mentality on this team, it’s very confidence-inspiring,” he said. “And I feel very fortunate to be rowing with these guys, being someone at his first Olympics.”

After earning a physics degree at Bates, Byrnes went to the University of Pennsylvania and earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. “I knew I had to finish schooling before I got to rowing full time because it would be tough to go back after rowing,” said Byrnes, who holds dual U.S. and Canadian citizenship. [More…]