Jeanne Flanagan ’79, U.S. Rowing Olympic Athlete
Jeanne is nothing if not dedicated. During her time at Florida Tech, she learned exactly what it takes to become an Olympic athlete. She graduated with a bachelor of science in biological sciences in 1979. During the year of her graduation, she also competed in the World Rowing Championship as a member of the women’s eight crew and won a bronze medal. She qualified for the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, but she was unable to compete due to the U.S. Olympic Committee’s boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Russia. She was one of 461 athletes to receive a Congressional Gold Medal.
Flanagan overcame her disappointment about the 1980 Summer Olympics and continued her training. Four years later, she was a member of the American women’s eight team that won the gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.
Jeanne was the first inductee to the Florida Tech Sports Hall of Fame, which was established in 1986. She reflects, “my experience on Florida Tech’s rowing team was inspiring. The camaraderie of the team and the encouragement of the coached taught me what it means to persevere. This led me to continue to pursue my Olympic dreams.”
Flanagan was featured in Florida Tech’s 60th Anniversary special edition book, “60 for 60: Celebrating Sixty Years of Alumni at Florida Institute of Technology.” Copies are available for purchase here.
