Caryn Davies wins rowing's most prestigious award

CBC member Caryn Davies has been named as this year’s Thomas Keller medal winner. She is the first American to be honored with this award, considered the highest honor in our sport. 

The medal is given by the World Rowing Federation (FISA) for an outstanding international career in the sport of rowing. It is awarded to recognize an exceptional racing career as well as exemplary sportsmanship.

Many will be aware of Caryn’s remarkable record as the stroke of the US Women’s 8+ during its long unbeaten streak, winning Olympic gold in 2012 and 2008 following silver in 2004, in addition to many (many!) world championship and world cup medals. She won an NCAA championship rowing for Harvard in 2003 and stroked the Oxford 8+ to victory in the women’s Boat Race in 2015. Caryn served as president of the United States Olympians and Paralympians Association in 2021, and as athlete representative to the USRowing Board of Directors from 2004-2010.

Caryn joined CBC in 2016. Behind the bar at our clubhouse or in the awards tent in Amsterdam, Caryn always greets fellow CBC members with warmth and enthusiasm. You may recall her presentation at a Sunday Night Supper, where she shared stories of her successes as well as challenges she faced in trying for one more shot at Olympic glory. Her talk was inspiring and intense but filled with humility and self-awareness. It is not only for all her accomplishments that we are fortunate to have Caryn in our community.