The Pembroke College Foundation proudly congratulates Caryn Davies ’15 —three-time Olympic medalist, Pembroke MBA alumna, and former member of the Pembroke Men’s Crew—on being named the recipient of the prestigious 2023 Thomas Keller Medal, the highest honor in the sport of rowing.

Earlier this week, Foundation President Tom Herman had the pleasure of joining and celebrating Caryn at a special event held in her honor at Boston’s Union Boat Club, where both are members. It was a fitting setting to honor an athlete whose career has inspired rowers and sports fans around the globe.

Caryn is the first American to receive the Thomas Keller Medal since its inception in 1990. Awarded by World Rowing, the medal honors not only an extraordinary international career but also exemplary sportsmanship and a legendary legacy.

A 12-time U.S. national team member, Caryn stroked the U.S. women’s eight to Olympic gold in both 2008 and 2012, and took home silver in 2004. With boatmate Mary Whipple, she became the first U.S. women’s rower to medal in three consecutive Olympic Games. Beyond the Olympics, she helped launch a historic decade-long dominance by stroking the U.S. eight to victory at the 2006 World Rowing Championships.

Following her rowing achievements, Caryn earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School and an MBA from Pembroke College, Oxford, in 2015. While at Oxford, she rowed with Pembroke’s Men’s Crew, helping secure the coveted Head of the River in Summer Eights 2013. She also earned a Blue Boat honor in 2015, cementing her place in both U.S. and Oxford rowing history.

Caryn Davies exemplifies the best of Pembroke—excellence, perseverance, and leadership. 

Congratulations Caryn!