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Olympians Spanning Almost 70 Years Feted

By Andrew Longo
Posted on October 19, 2024
Olympians Spanning Almost 70 Years Feted

“One in 500,000”

Whistles and calls to, “shhh!” repeatedly rung out in the Eliot Bridge Enclosure as Tori Stevens, executive director head of the Head of the Charles, took the stage Friday evening. It was the sound of a crowd having fun and not wishing to interrupt their good time. But there were things that wanted to be said.

“I believe the Head of the Charles attracts more Olympians than any other athletic event outside of the Olympics themselves,” Stevens told the crowd

The Head of the Charles welcomed over 200 Olympians from 43 states and 28 countries at a reception at the Eliot Bridge Enclosure Friday evening. Olympians from as far back as the 1956 Melbourne games filled the venue as they mingled and anticipated the start of an event extremely close to their hearts.

A wall of names hung at one corner of the large tent, reading the names of every Olympic and Paralympic rower since 1956.  “One in 500,000 people become Olympians, that says something,” said Stevens.

As they arrived, all Olympians were provided with a special lanyard that featured their name, year of their Olympic Games and boat class. Stevens urged the athletes to wear them throughout the weekend so they might be recognized. “We want everyone here to know who these Olympians are and how special they are,” Stevens said.

“The essence in this room is one of a reunion, you can feel it, a reunion you actually want to go to, and most assuredly, a reunion that marks success and talent,” said Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.

“Each of you have contributed mightily to the notion of teamwork and dedication and we are so pleased that this reunion happens every year here in Massachusetts.”

Some of the Olympians gatherd for this week’s Head of the Charles (Photo by Andrew Longo)

When it was the Olympians’ turn to speak, they emphasized how much they loved returning to the reunion that happens every year in Massachusetts. Gemma Wollenschlaeger, a silver medalist Paralympian in Paris, said it was the Charles River and HOCR community that helped her get there.

“It’s so special to come back here and be surrounded by the community that got us to Paris,” she said, “supported us on our way to Paris, and to do it with a silver medal in our pocket as we go down this course one last time is truly so amazing.”

Daisy Mazzio-Manson, a 2024 Olympian in the U.S. four, grew up in Boston and has been attending the Head of the Charles since high school. To her, the regatta is a chance to be surrounded by familiar faces and enjoy herself.

“This is the best celebration of rowing in the world, I’m so excited to be here. I’m excited to row on this course, I’m excited to see my friends, celebrate this sport and have a good time,” said Mazzio-Manson.

Mary Mazzio, Daisy’s mother and an Olympian herself in the 1992 Barcelona Games, was the evening’s emcee. She gave a high energy speech, in sometimes salty language, imploring those in room to use their platforms to encourage the next generation of rowers to reach even higher heights.

“This my friend, the Head of the Charles, is an annual land grab for youth, we race together in celebration of days gone by and days yet to come, and for a love of the sport and for each other,” she said.

 

By Andrew Longo
Posted on October 19, 2024