Madison Native Paralympian Ben Washburne Wins Silver in Paris 2024 Games
With every muscle straining and breath becoming harder to catch, Team USA rower Ben Washburne gave it his all in the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four finals at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris on Sunday, Sept. 1. The Madison native, alongside his team, pushed themselves to the brink in a closely contested race.
“I pushed myself to the edge in the race,” Washburne texted from Paris. “I was counting the strokes to the finish line, where our medal would then be confirmed.”
It was a nail-biting battle, with Team USA neck-and-neck with Great Britain. “It was really like a two-boat race for first,” Washburne said. In the end, Team USA claimed the silver medal, finishing just behind Great Britain with a time of 6:58:59, while the Brits clocked in at 6:55:30.
Although Washburne expressed some disappointment in missing out on gold, the accomplishment of earning silver was deeply rewarding. “It would have been even more amazing to get gold, but it’s so gratifying to have silver.”
Reflecting on the race, Washburne shared the emotional intensity of the moment, calling the experience “amazing.” The victory was especially poignant given the challenges he has faced throughout his life.
Born with a severe left club foot that required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, Washburne spent years in a wheelchair and on crutches. Despite the physical challenges, he found his passion in rowing, a sport that allowed him to compete at the highest level.
“It was definitely very emotional,” Washburne said, as he proudly wore his silver medal. His journey from battling physical limitations to Paralympic success is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Washburne’s achievement at the 2024 Paralympic Games is an inspiration not only to his hometown of Madison but also to anyone facing adversity.
