NEW YORK — Much like he did for the 2019 World Rowing Championships, Columbia Heavyweight Rowing alumni John Tanguay '20CC has once again qualified for USRowing's PR3 Mixed Four w/Coxswain, but this trip is different as Tanguay will join his boatmates at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, as USRowing announced, on June 18, the final boat at the conclusion of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Selection camp.
 
Tanguay makes his second PR3 Mixed Four w/ Coxswain boat, and he was a member of the 2019 boat that won silver at the 2019 World Rowing Championships for USRowing.  The entire boat that rowed in Linz, Austria back in 2019 has returned, and one of the returning members won silver for the United States at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.

"John's selection to race in Tokyo at the Paralympics this summer showcases his competitive drive, love for the sport, and team-focused approach," said Columbia Heavyweight Rowing Head Coach Scott Alwin.  "My experience with John during his time at Columbia was that he was among the most positive, hard-working, team-oriented rowers that I've worked with here. 

"He truly sets a great example for our current team members as they work towards their own success with Columbia and at the international level beyond their collegiate rowing and coxing.  John is a great representative for Columbia Rowing and Team USA."
 
In order to qualify, Tanguay had to earn his spot in the boat, competing with three men and four women for a coveted seat in the boat.  Tanguay, who was born with "clubfoot", earned his way onto the water with Columbia taking the 1V during his sophomore season, before moving to the 2V for his junior year on the Hudson.

Tanguay's qualification to the Paralympic Games gives Columbia's boathouse three Olympians, as Women's Rowing's Charlotte Buck '18CC will join Tanguay on Team USA and Lightweight Rowing's Jakub Buczek '16CC will represent Team Canada in Tokyo.
 
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games are scheduled to take place from August 24 to September 5, with Para rowing events beginning August 27.

In total, USRowing will be sending four boats to the Paralympic Games. The PR1 men's single sculls, PR1 women's single sculls, and PR2 mixed double sculls were selected through the 2020 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials – Rowing in April. The entire roster with coaches and staff will be announced next week.
 
USRowing Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Camp-Selected Boats
 
PR3 Mixed Four with Coxswain
Karen Petrik (Glastonbury, Conn./University of Rhode Island)
Charley Nordin (Alameda, Calif./Gonzaga University)
John Tanguay '20CC (Pennington, N.J./Columbia University)
Dani Hansen (Patterson, Calif./University of Washington)
Allie Reilly (North Kingstown, R.I./University of Rhode Island)
 
FOLLOWING THE LIONS: Stay up to date on all things Columbia Rowing by following the Lions on Twitter (@CULionsRowing), Instagram (@culionsrowing) and on Facebook (@ColumbiaAthletics).