ITHACA, N.Y. – Former Cornell heavyweight rower Alex Karwoski '12 has punched his ticket to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games as a member of the United States men's eight.  The games will be held in Rio de Janeiro from August 5 – August 21.
 
Karwoski and his boat mates won the final qualification regatta, solidifying their entry to Rio. In a tightly contested race with the top two finishers qualifying for the Olympics, the U.S. crew was third through the first 600 meters of the race before pushing its way into second. Crossing the 1,600 mark, the American's moved into first place by a deck and held on to win in a time of 5:29.16, besting both Poland and Italy who finished second and third with times of 5:29.62 and 5:29.98, respectively. 
 
"Alex was an excellent athlete and really fun to coach," said Todd Kennett, The Spirit of '57 Director of Rowing. "His growth and development here at Cornell, was without a doubt an inspiration. Him taking it to the ultimate level, competing at The Olympics is a dream come true, not only for him, but our program. We wish him the best in Rio along with the rest of his teammates competing for the United States. Go RED, White, and Blue!"
 
A 2012 graduate of Cornell, Karwoski majored in Civil and Environmental Engineering.  While rowing for the Big Red, he was a two year member of the varsity eight, and finished with a silver medal at the Eastern Sprints in the second varsity eight his sophomore season. Karwoski also was the recipient of the "Big Stick" award in 2012 as well as a two time member of the Friedman Strength and Conditioning "Wall of Strength" honor.
 
Karwoski has spent the last four years training with the United States national team with strong showings at numerous World Championships and World Rowing Cups.  In 2016 he won Bronze in the men's eight at the World Rowing Cup II.