Nick Mead

Nick Mead, born on March 12, 1995, in Strafford, Pennsylvania, developed an early interest in rowing, attending Episcopal Academy. His collegiate career began at Princeton University, where he studied History and was an active member of the men’s rowing team, graduating in 2017. During his time at Princeton, Mead showcased significant talent, securing a first-place finish in the four with coxswain at the 2013 Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championships and achieving third-place finishes in the varsity eight at the IRA National Championships in both 2015 and 2016. These early achievements laid the foundation for his future success in the sport.

Mead’s international rowing career began with participation in the Junior and Under 23 national teams, progressing to the Senior National Team from 2017 to 2024, and ultimately becoming an Olympian in 2020 and 2024. A notable milestone for Mead was winning a silver medal in the men’s eight at the 2017 World Rowing Championships in Sarasota. He continued to compete at the highest levels, earning another silver medal in the coxless four at the 2023 World Rowing Championships in Belgrade. His career trajectory reached its zenith at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where he, alongside Liam Corrigan, Michael Grady, and Justin Best, secured a gold medal in the coxless men’s four. This victory marked the first time an American team had won gold in this event since 1960.

Beyond his Olympic gold, Mead has consistently demonstrated his capabilities in various international and national competitions. He finished fourth in the men’s eight at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and achieved a fifth-place finish in the eight at the 2019 World Rowing Championships. In 2024, he won the four at the World Rowing Cup II, further solidifying his standing in the sport. His contributions to American rowing have been recognized with significant accolades, including being named USRowing’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2021 and 2023, and receiving the USRowing Man of the Year Award in 2024. Mead also had the honor of carrying the U.S. flag at the closing ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics, alongside swimmer Katie Ledecky. Currently, Nick Mead works as a Senior Transportation Planner for Peloton, showcasing his ability to balance a demanding corporate career with elite athletic performance.