Introduction
"The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown is a captivating non-fiction book that tells the remarkable story of nine working-class American boys who shocked the world by winning gold in rowing at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and the looming threat of Nazi Germany, this book is a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and the human spirit.
The story primarily follows Joe Rantz, one of the members of the University of Washington's rowing team, as he and his teammates overcome personal hardships, fierce competition, and seemingly insurmountable odds to achieve Olympic glory. Through their journey, we witness the transformation of a group of underdogs into a finely-tuned team capable of beating the best rowers in the world.
The Great Depression and the University of Washington Rowing Team
In 1933, the United States was in the grip of the Great Depression. Unemployment was rampant, with about a quarter of the population out of work and roughly two million people homeless. In these dire economic circumstances, many young men saw college education as a way out of poverty, but affording it was a significant challenge.
The University of Washington offered a unique opportunity for aspiring rowers. Those who made it onto the rowing team were given part-time campus jobs, making it possible for them to afford their education. This incentive drew a large number of candidates to try out for the freshman rowing team in October 1933.
The tryouts were grueling, designed to test the physical and mental limits of the candidates. Out of 175 young men who initially showed up, only 80 remained by the end of October. Among these survivors were Joe Rantz and Roger Morris, two engineering students who would play crucial roles in the story to come.
The Coaches and Their Methods
The University of Washington's rowing program was led by two notable coaches:
Al Ulbrickson: The head coach, known for his no-nonsense approach and two national championships.
Tom Bolles: The freshman coach, nicknamed "the professor" due to his pursuit of a master's degree. He was known for wearing a beat-up Stetson hat for good luck.
These coaches put the candidates through a series of intense physical tests, pushing their muscles, bones, and lungs to the limit. The unpredictable Seattle weather added another layer of challenge to their training.
Joe Rantz: A Story of Perseverance
Joe Rantz's background is a testament to his resilience and determination. Born in 1914 in Spokane, Washington, Joe faced numerous hardships from an early age:
- His mother died of throat cancer when he was four years old.
- His father left for Canada, leaving Joe to bounce between living with his aunt and his older brother.
- When his father remarried and had more children, Joe's stepmother rejected him.
- At the age of 15, Joe was abandoned by his family in the town of Sequim, Washington, left to fend for himself.
Despite these challenges, Joe managed to keep his spirits up and make the best of his situation. He showed remarkable resourcefulness:
- He poached fish to sell to local shops.
- He built a lucrative bootleg alcohol business during Prohibition.
- He kept himself in school and played banjo in a local band.
- He fell in love with a young woman named Joyce.
Joe's hard work and determination paid off. He graduated high school with honors and enrolled at the University of Washington, setting the stage for his involvement in the rowing team.
The Art of Rowing: Finding the Perfect Swing
Rowing is a sport that demands perfect synchronization among team members. The goal is to achieve what's known as "the swing" - a state of harmony where all rowers are perfectly in sync, allowing the boat to move smoothly and powerfully through the water.
Creating the perfect team of eight rowers and one coxswain (the person who sits at the back of the boat and shouts orders) is a complex task. The coach must find individuals who can not only row well individually but also work together as a cohesive unit. If even one person gets off rhythm, it can throw off the entire boat.
The University of Washington coaches spent months running trial races and swapping out different rowers to find the best combination. They put together three teams each year:
- A freshman team
- A junior varsity team
- A varsity team
On November 28, 1933, Coach Bolles announced the first boat assignments for the freshman team. Roger Morris was placed in the first position at the bow, Shorty Hunt was in the number two seat, and Joe Rantz was assigned to the number three position.
George Pocock: The Boat Builder Extraordinaire
No discussion of the University of Washington's rowing success would be complete without mentioning George Pocock, the master boat builder whose craftsmanship played a crucial role in the team's achievements.
Pocock's story begins in England, where his family had a long tradition of building boats on the River Thames. George took the family business to new heights by not only building boats but also studying racing techniques to design even better racing shells.
In 1912, George caught the attention of Hiram Conibear, known as the "father of Washington rowing." Conibear convinced Pocock to produce boats for the University of Washington. Pocock went beyond just building boats; he helped Conibear refine a more efficient rowing style that became known as the Conibear stroke. This new technique, which relied on shorter but more powerful pulls in the water, quickly led to greater success for the university.
Pocock's most significant innovation came in 1927 when he discovered the benefits of using western red cedar to build racing shells. This wood, abundant in Washington, had several advantages:
- Low density, making it buoyant and light
- Easy to shape
- Polished well, reducing friction in the water
Pocock's cedar boats revolutionized the sport and contributed significantly to the University of Washington team's success. His legacy continues today, with Pocock Racing Shells still being made and sold in Washington.
The Freshman Year: Setting the Bar High
The University of Washington rowing team's year revolved around two major competitions:
- The Pacific Coast Regatta in April
- The Poughkeepsie Regatta (the national championship) in June
For the freshman team, there was a lot at stake. Tom Bolles, the freshman coach, had an impressive six-year winning streak at the Pacific Coast Regatta to maintain. Adding to the pressure was the fact that their biggest rival, the University of California at Berkeley, had won an Olympic victory in 1932.
Despite initial concerns about Joe Rantz's abilities and some team dynamics issues (Joe was often teased for his clothes and banjo playing, earning the nickname "Hobo Joe"), the freshman team exceeded expectations:
- They beat the junior varsity team by two full lengths in a training race.
- At the Pacific Coast Regatta, they shocked everyone by beating Berkeley by four and a half lengths, setting a new freshman course record.
The team's success at the Pacific Coast Regatta boosted their confidence for the upcoming Poughkeepsie Regatta in New York. This competition was as popular as the Kentucky Derby and carried additional social tensions, as the wealthier East Coast crews looked down on the West Coast teams.
Despite these challenges, the University of Washington freshman team triumphed at Poughkeepsie, beating their closest competitors from Syracuse by an impressive five full lengths.
Sophomore Year: Olympic Dreams and Team Dynamics
Following their unprecedented victories in their freshman year, the University of Washington team was singled out by the press as potential contenders for the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Coach Ulbrickson officially set this as their goal, much to the team's excitement.
However, the sophomore year brought new challenges:
- The team struggled to find their rhythm and achieve the right "swing."
- Tensions rose among the rowers as other University of Washington teams, feeling threatened by the sophomores' success, began regularly beating them in practice.
Ulbrickson had to intervene, warning the team that they were in danger of losing their chance at the Olympics. This warning had a positive effect, strengthening the friendship between Roger Morris, Shorty Hunt, and Joe Rantz, who were determined to make it to the Olympic boat.
The sophomores eventually proved themselves at the Pacific Coast Regatta. In a close race, they managed to win by six feet, securing their position as the varsity boat. However, their victory was overshadowed by the impressive performance of the junior varsity team, setting the stage for more competition within the university.
Setbacks and Uncertainty
Despite their early success, the road to the Olympics was far from smooth for the sophomore team. Several factors contributed to their uncertain status:
Inconsistent Performance: The team's results were unreliable, frustrating Coach Ulbrickson.
Internal Competition: The junior varsity team was showing stronger performance, threatening the sophomores' varsity status.
Poughkeepsie Regatta Results: While the freshmen and junior varsity boats won their races, the newly promoted varsity boat (formerly the junior varsity) finished disappointingly behind California and Cornell.
These setbacks made it clear that significant work was needed if the team hoped to make it to the Berlin Olympics. The rowers were talented but still out of shape and inconsistent in their performance.
The Berlin Olympics: Hitler's Grand Stage
As the University of Washington team trained, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party were preparing to use the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a massive propaganda opportunity. The United States was still uncertain about how to view Hitler and the Nazis, with many Americans wanting to avoid involvement in another foreign war following the losses of World War I and the ongoing struggles of the Great Depression.
There were calls for a boycott of the Olympic Games due to opposition to Nazism. However, on December 8, 1935, the Amateur Athletic Union voted by a slim margin to compete in the games.
For Nazi Germany, the Olympics were seen as a chance to showcase the supposed grandeur of the Nazi party to the world. Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi minister of propaganda, hired filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl to create a film called "Olympia" to document the games, following her successful propaganda film "Triumph of the Will."
Hitler also used the Olympics as an opportunity to deceive the world about the true nature of his rule:
- Roma families were rounded up and moved to undisclosed locations.
- Anti-Jewish signs were temporarily removed from public spaces.
- Production of anti-Semitic propaganda pamphlets was halted.
These measures were intended to present a false image of Nazi Germany to the world, only to be reversed once the Olympics concluded.
Finding the Perfect Team
As 1936 began, Coach Ulbrickson knew he needed to shake things up to create the best possible team for the Olympics. He gathered his teams and announced that anyone hoping to make the varsity boat would face a grueling training season.
Ulbrickson's approach involved constantly switching up the oarsmen to find the right combination. The only certainty was that Bobby Moch, considered one of the most talented members of the team, would be the coxswain.
Joe Rantz found himself consistently left out during this process, causing him considerable anxiety. However, in March, Ulbrickson finally made his decision for the varsity boat:
- Don Hume
- Joe Rantz
- Shorty Hunt
- Stub McMillin
- Johnny White
- Gordy Adam
- Chuck Day
- Roger Morris
Joe Rantz was the last to make the cut, but he was welcomed by the other team members. Many of the oarsmen already had close relationships. For example, Joe, Chuck Day, and Johnny White had worked together on the construction of the Grand Coulee dam during their break from school.
The team members shared similar backgrounds:
- None came from wealthy or urban families.
- All had struggled financially and worked tough jobs to stay in school.
- Their shared experiences of hardship made them fiercely determined to succeed.
These similarities in background and mindset helped the team develop a strong bond, which would prove crucial in achieving the perfect "swing" in their rowing.
The Final U.S. Races: Securing the Olympic Spot
With the team finally assembled, the newly christened Husky Clipper varsity boat set out to prove themselves. Their performance in the final U.S. races would determine whether they would make it to the Berlin Olympics.
The year started promisingly with victories in both the Pacific Coast and Poughkeepsie Regattas:
Pacific Coast Regatta: The Husky Clipper beat the Californian team by an impressive three lengths.
Poughkeepsie Regatta: The team's victory here was particularly notable due to Bobby Moch's strategic pacing. He kept the stroke rate slow and easy at the beginning, allowing the oarsmen to conserve energy for the final stretch. This strategy worried Coach Ulbrickson, as Washington was four lengths behind with only a mile left in the race. However, Moch's plan paid off when he called for "ten hard ones for Ulbrickson" in the final stretch, propelling the boat to victory by a full length.
These victories set the stage for the Olympic qualifying race in Princeton. The team faced some initial difficulties:
- Gordy Adam and Stub McMillin both made errors early in the race, throwing off the boat's rhythm.
- The team fell behind in the early stages of the race.
However, they managed to hold steady and then surge ahead in the final stretch, once again finishing a full length ahead of their competitors. This victory secured their spot in the Berlin Olympics.
The Princeton race was particularly memorable for the team. Shorty Hunt later described the last 20 strokes of that race as "the best [he] felt in any boat," highlighting the perfect synchronization and power the team had achieved.
The Journey to Berlin and Initial Challenges
The team's journey to the Berlin Olympics began with a voyage on the ocean liner SS Manhattan, arriving in Berlin on July 23, 1936. However, their arrival marked the beginning of a series of challenges that would test their resolve:
Weight Gain: All team members except Bobby Moch had gained weight during the journey, thanks to the abundant food available on the ship. This extra weight could potentially affect their performance in the water.
Don Hume's Illness: More critically, Don Hume, a key member of the team, contracted a severe respiratory infection upon arrival. He was so ill that he could barely get out of bed, let alone participate in practice sessions.
These setbacks meant that the team was out of shape and missing a crucial member just days before the most important race of their lives.
The Olympic Race: A Test of Will and Teamwork
As the day of the Olympic race dawned, the team faced even more obstacles:
Unfavorable Lane Assignment: The American team was assigned to lane six, the outermost lane most exposed to wind and adverse weather conditions. This meant they would have to row harder than all the other teams just to keep up. It seemed suspicious that Germany and Italy were given the well-protected first two lanes.
Don Hume's Condition: Despite the team's hopes, Don Hume's health had not significantly improved. He was pale and weak as they prepared for the race.
As the race began, the American team started with a steady pace, hoping to conserve energy for a strong finish. However, Bobby Moch soon noticed that Don Hume's condition was worse than they had feared. Hume's face was sickly pale, and his eyes were closed. Moch's shouts to check on Hume went unanswered.
The boat struggled as they approached the final stretch of the race. They were five seconds behind the leaders, a significant gap in rowing. Moch continued to yell at Hume, urging him to increase the pace, but Hume remained unresponsive with his eyes closed.
The Miraculous Finish
Just when all seemed lost, a miracle occurred. With about 600 meters left in the race, Don Hume suddenly snapped back to consciousness. He opened his eyes and looked at Moch, who immediately shouted, "Pick 'er up! One length to make up! Six hundred meters!"
Energized by Hume's revival, the team began to surge forward. Moch kept shouting "Higher! Higher!" pushing the team to row at a stroke rate they had never before achieved. The American boat began to close the gap rapidly.
In a thrilling finish, the American team managed to pull ahead in the final moments of the race. They crossed the finish line just six-tenths of a second ahead of the Italian boat and one second ahead of the German team.
Against all odds - the unfavorable lane assignment, Don Hume's illness, and the initial deficit - the American team had secured the gold medal. Their victory was a testament to their incredible teamwork, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit.
The Impact and Legacy
The victory of the American rowing team at the 1936 Berlin Olympics was more than just a sporting achievement. It carried significant symbolic weight:
Triumph of Democracy: In the face of Nazi Germany's attempt to use the Olympics as a propaganda tool, the victory of the American team - representing a democratic nation - was particularly poignant.
Working-Class Heroes: The team members, coming from humble backgrounds and having struggled through the Great Depression, became symbols of American resilience and determination.
The Power of Teamwork: Their victory demonstrated how a group of individuals, when working in perfect harmony, can achieve seemingly impossible feats.
Inspiration for Future Generations: The story of "The Boys in the Boat" continues to inspire athletes and non-athletes alike, showcasing the potential of human achievement when faced with adversity.
Conclusion
"The Boys in the Boat" is more than just a sports story. It's a tale of perseverance, teamwork, and the triumph of the human spirit. From Joe Rantz's difficult childhood to the team's struggles during the Great Depression, and finally to their against-all-odds victory in Nazi Germany, the journey of these nine young men embodies the best of the American spirit.
The book highlights several key themes:
- The importance of perseverance in the face of adversity
- The power of teamwork and finding the perfect "swing"
- The role of mentorship, as seen in the influence of coaches like Al Ulbrickson and Tom Bolles
- The impact of innovation, exemplified by George Pocock's boat-building techniques
Through the lens of this rowing team's journey, Daniel James Brown paints a vivid picture of America during the Great Depression, the rise of Nazi Germany, and the socio-political climate surrounding the 1936 Olympics. He shows how sport can transcend mere competition to become a powerful statement of values and human potential.
The victory of the University of Washington rowing team in Berlin was more than just a gold medal for the United States. It was a moment that captured the world's imagination and proved that with determination, teamwork, and the right mindset, ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary things.
The legacy of "The Boys in the Boat" continues to inspire people today, reminding us of the power of the human spirit to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when individuals come together, find their perfect "swing," and row as one towards a common goal.