Chapters 1 & 2 Cont. Summary and Analysis

The chapters of this book are rather short. Despite this, they are full of information. The author introduces the other main characters of this nonfictional story during chapter 1. In rowing, even teammates are normally also rivals and competitors. One extraordinary fact is that Tiff Wood did not quit rowing when he was not able to participate in the Olympic games despite having made the team.

The main oarsmen are John Biglow, Joe Bouscaren, Enquist, and Charley Altekruse. They are coached for the Olympic team by Harry Parker. Joe Bouscaren is the little man on the team. He is known for leading early in the race but losing in the end. Readers should assume that this discovery about his limitations is not made until he is amongst his true peers—the Olympic class rowers; up until then, he has...