Chris Ahrens is a 1998 graduate of Princeton University, known internationally for his distinguished career as a rower for both the Tigers and the United States National Team. He was honored by Princeton as the 18th most successful athlete in the school’s history. He is notable for being the stroke of the gold medal United States eight-man boat at the 1997, 1998, and 1999 world championships, as well as being the six seat for the fifth place 2000 Sydney Olympic boat. Ahrens came out of retirement in 2004 to join up with the US Olympic squad as the three seat in the eventual gold medal eight-man boat. This boat is notable not only for being the first US eight to win Olympic gold since 1964, but also for setting a new course and world record of 5:19.85, a record that still stands. Ahrens is currently retired from international rowing and resides in New York City.