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10/22/2024 11:20 AMThe town of Madison has seen numerous residents go on to do great things in athletics, from Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jack Driscoll to former pitcher in the Marlins organization Greg Zappo. Ben Washburne adds himself to the fantastic list of athletes after his incredible accomplishment of receiving a silver medal in Mixed Core Four rowing at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
On Oct. 15, a ceremony was held at the Madison Senior Center to honor Washburne, where he spoke with guests and answered questions about his time competing in Paris. Congressman Joe Courtney, State Representative John Michael Parker, and Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons all spoke ahead of Washburne, who all expressed their delight with his accomplishment.
“It was a dream we never knew to dream,” Jen Washburne, Washburne’s mom, said. “When I heard the news, I was absolutely thrilled…when he won his seat in that boat…it was just tears.”
Born with clubfoot, Washburne said it was difficult for him to run and participate in sports as a child. His mother said that he tried many different sports as a kid, and it was difficult to see her son struggle. Eventually, he found rowing, a sport his father and grandfather had participated in, and it was off to the races.
According to Washburne, though he excelled in rowing, competing for a chance to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paralympics was tough.
“It was very intense for two weeks in a row. Every day, you’re competing against each other, going all out,” Washburne said. “We never knew if something that happened on a particular day would be the deciding factor on if we got on the team or not. When they called to say I was on the boat, it was just such an incredible feeling.”
Since coming home from the games, Washburne has also had to come to terms with the fact that his accomplishments have affected not only the country and the town that he is from but also the example he has set for young kids. After he spoke at the ceremony, many kids came up to him, wanting to hold his medal and expressing how much they look up to him.
“It seemed like there were a lot of kids seeking inspiration, and I hope they found it,” he said. “No dream is too big, I never in my wildest dreams would have thought I would be here. You never know what’s going to happen if you give it your all. Anybody can do anything they put their mind to.”
Washburne says that while he is currently resting and relaxing after his great achievement, he still wants to continue rowing and see how far it can take him, as well as setting himself up for a successful future.