The 4 Year Olympian: From First Stroke to Olympic Medallist

by Jeremiah F. Brown

Improbable, funny, and heart-wrenching, Jeremiah Brown's journey from novice to Olympic rower in under four years is a story about chasing a goal with everything you've got.
After nearly being put behind bars at age seventeen and becoming a father at nineteen, Jeremiah Brown managed to grow up into a responsible young adult. But with a promising banking career, marriage, mortgage, and more kids on the horizon, a new goal captured his imagination: what would it take to become an Olympian?
A lot, it turned out.
Guided by a polarizing coach, Brown and his teammates plumb the depths of physical and mental exertion in pursuit of a singular goal. The 4 Year Olympian is a story of courage, perseverance, and overcoming self-doubt, told from the perspective of an unlikely competitor who made it against the odds.

Genres: Sports, Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography

320 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2018

About the author

Jeremiah Brown won an Olympic silver medal as a member of the Canadian men’s eight rowing team at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He is a leader in athlete transition and wellness, a Canadian sport system expert, speaker, dad, and drummer who has played with Juno-winning artists (once). He lives in Peterborough, Ontario.

Reviews

[Elizabeth (Elzburg) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Four-Year Olympian was a thoroughly enjoyable book that remained engrossing the whole way through. The blurb on the back cover is extremely accurate in its declaration of the inspirational and uplifting nature of this book. From Jeremiah’s upbringing, to his involvement in varsity football, to his rowing career, to his Olympic medal and beyond, this book shows us what it takes to become an Olympic medalist.

That free two chapter sampler on Netgalley had me hooked SO FAST. So disclaimer: I received a free e-arc from Dundurn Press via Netgalley, but all opinions remain my own. The book starts off with a little anecdote from Jeremiah’s childhood, and even though it had nothing to do with sports or rowing it completely engrossed me, and that has got to tell you something. The stories were interesting and easily pulled me along. I wasn’t expecting the writing to be anything more than mediocre, but I ended up quite liking it, except for the insanely high amount of times I had to read the word “pussy” being used as an expletive. That got a bit excessive.

As someone who is aiming to compete in the Olympics someday myself, I was quite interested in what the actual journey to that point might look like. For Jeremiah it essentially boiled down to:

1. Have good genes
2. Move to the city where the national team of your preferred sport trains and join them
3. Go hard, bitch.

I’m not going to lie, I was pretty disappointed with step number two because I don’t want to leave my home, though it makes sense you should train with and be trained by the elite.

I’d say most of the book was probably focused on step three, or at least that’s where the most emphasis was put. I had no idea what masochists rowers are until I read this book. I have definitely thought about how I don’t get how people would enjoy just rowing on those machines all day (because we live in Canada, they can’t be on the lake all the time. It's cold), but I never knew just how bad it really is. And that the machines aren’t even necessarily the worst part. Long story short: Rowing is literally just prolonged consensual torture, so props to the people who put themselves through it. Though honestly I feel like I could say that about a lot of sports, including my own (running), but I still say rowing has got it worse.

The ending was very feel-good and satisfying, which I could somewhat see coming since I went into the book already knowing that Jeremiah and his team get an Olympic medal out of it. Honestly though, I was still kind of shocked when they were able to pull it off, and I still don’t understand how they did it, because they seemed pretty shit in all their races leading up to the final but somehow managed to pull through anyway. I guess “shit” is subjective, because a shitty athlete doesn’t make it to the Olympics in the first place. It’s just that it didn’t seem like they could actually pull off placing, so even though I knew it was coming it still felt very sweet.

The only thing is then the epilogue comes and poops on the party. It’s about how Jeremiah got depression after losing his sense of purpose from working for 3.5 years and achieving his goal. On the one hand it’s really good to bring attention to these type of issues that affect athletes, but on the other it honestly just dampened my mood towards the book and my own Olympic goal. I think it was a good inclusion to the book, however I didn’t personally enjoy reading it. But you know, that doesn’t really matter. Reality hurts, and as Jeremiah would say, “stop being a pussy”.

Overall this was a great book. I really want to buy it and have a physical copy for myself because I would love to read it again, and there are a lot of inspiring quotes in here that I would love to bookmark. I also loved the inclusion of photographs, my only complaint is that I wish there were more!


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[Adrienne McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremiah Brown's story of personal achievement to the world's highest level of athletic glory is a fascinating, inspirational read that will entertain both sports enthusiasts and those interested in how we as humans can be capable of overcoming internal and external struggles to achieve beyond our wildest dreams.
Brown's description of his tumultuous upbringing, struggles with a quick temper and excess energy that he poured into athletics, and his early introduction to a serious level of adult responsibility as a young father dovetail into a wonderful character exploration of Brown's inner psyche. Discovering his exemplary gifts as an athlete, and hoping to use these gifts to overcome his personal demons, Brown buries himself in the goal of achieving athletic glory at arguably one of the world's toughest sports- rowing- and setting his standard as nothing less than an Olympic medal. Reading Brown's journey from day one on the water to the Olympic medal stand is a riveting adventure, as he balances a professional career, family and personal relationships, and the intensity and all-encompassing quest of a professional athlete.
Non-rowers will find the description of the sport and the details inherit in training and racing fascinating. Beyond the technical details of the rower's training and racing regimen, readers will be entertained by the interpersonal drama between teammates and the dynamics of the coaching staff as they strive to create the fastest crew. Brown describes the psychological turmoil the athletes are subjected to under the guidance of one of the most successful coaches in Olympic history, whose skill at creating fast boats is in stark contrast to his lack of sensitivity to the emotional damage left in his wake.
In the end, Brown's quest to succeed in the midst of his personal turmoil is ultimately satisfying, with a touch of redemption at its core. Brown is a wonderful storyteller, and doesn't mince words when describing both his exemplary skill and confidence in his athletic virtuosity at the same time as we learn the intimate details of his internal emotional struggles and very real drawbacks in his personal character.
I particularly appreciated the honest and openness with which Brown discusses his struggles with depression, anxiety, and disappointment on the other side of winning an Olympic medal and enjoying fleeting fame and success. This is an aspect of athletic success not often discussed, and it is a wonderful story to hear how Brown navigates the "real world" in the aftermath of his Olympic journey. Now dedicated to helping other athletes work toward success in sport and in life, Brown is a truly inspirational author, and his story is a fascinating read. Highly recommended.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a former rower myself, I really enjoyed reading about the training, racing, technique, and camaraderie of Brown's boat. I remember doing and feeling so many of the same things, so it was easy to get lost in the story (it also helped that in many places, Brown's writing and his descriptions of various people, places, things and emotions were really poetic and lovely). I do wonder, though, if non-rowers might get lost in all of the crew-centric monologues and lingo? I'm not sure.

That being said, I found Brown's mental state and attitude throughout this story pretty troubling. He decides on a whim, because he's done with college and therefore done with football, to not just *learn* to row but to somehow find his way onto the Canadian Olympic team in just a couple years. Well, okay, some may see that as admirable determination, but Brown does this at the expense of his family, his career, his responsibilities as a father and partner, etc. (and this pattern of selfishness and entitlement continues throughout the endeavor). It was all a bit squicky to me.

Sidenote: Since he was a smug know-it-all who picked rowing as his Olympic endeavor simply because it seemed easy (LOL), reading about his endless struggles with capsizing his single scull was sweet comeuppance. ;)

*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rowed for four years in college, never imagining that I'd go any further than that in my career. For Mr. Brown to have, with no prior experience, simply decided to make an Olympic boat and get a medal - and then actually accomplish that - is unreal. And yet. he did! I found Mr. Brown's description of the challenge and pain - and rewards - of rowing both accurate and inspiring. I appreciated his sharing of other personal details that made his journey all the more compelling. It might help if you've ever rowed, but certainly one doesn't have to have to appreciate the monumental achievement of Mr. Brown's story.

[cellomerl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really honestly written book, laying everything bare, all the tumult of emotions and crazy thoughts that accompany the brutally hard work of making it the Olympic podium in four years starting from zero knowledge, let alone experience.
This book is not well edited and the photo reproduction is weak, but it’s rawly emotional and although it starts out slowly, it definitely picks up speed and by the end I couldn’t put it down. The transition of the author from a spoilt bad-boy kid to a highly accomplished athlete was remarkable, especially when you consider how he was driven only by his own inner gumption.
The accounts of the hard training and races were wonderful. (It helps that I row, of course…so I was right there with the author through the early mornings, pain of the training and races and general loneliness of doing something that others think is crazy).
The author has a wonderful gift for simile. Some of the descriptions are just so vivid they’re hilarious.

Editorial side comment:

Only in Canadian rowing, and only nowadays, could you just show up and say, “I want to be an Olympic rower,” and boom, away you go, training in Victoria with the national team. It used to be that you had to earn the privilege of moving through those circles (and even of rowing a single) only after years spent sweating blood sweeping in eights and fours. In Canada, these days such a selection for rowing is made if you are generally athletic and, well, tall. Tall with what they call a “big wingspan.” It sort of smacks of eugenics but unfortunately a lot of countries are going for physical genetics over heart. You don’t even need to know what rowing is (and in fact Rowing Canada prefers it that way, on the supposition that they can “mold” you instead of having to unteach you). Then the actual work begins. The funny thing is that as a country we win fewer rowing medals now than we did with crews that were drawn from a hodge-podge of high school rowers who had some physical gifts but mostly were filled with heart and love of the sport, then paired up with someone like Mike Spracklen. Having said that, the author of this book did attack this challenge with a great deal of heart and determination; perhaps the deciding factor in his success was mainly that he chose rowing, not the reverse.
Working under Mike Spracklen to train for the Olympics would be an opportunity akin to a gift from God, and I was rather appalled at how long it actually took the author to realize it. I was similarly appalled at the fact that so many people seemed to bitch about him and be out for his blood. He wasn’t a flawless coach, but he certainly got results, at least with those who were willing to do the work required to flourish under his savagely difficult program. Now, of course, there seems to be more concern about an athlete’s feelings and self-esteem than his or her performance.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is well-written and a quick, engaging read. I rowed all four years of undergrad, and Jeremiah Brown perfectly captured many of the emotions, thoughts, and sensations I experienced. That said, the author often comes across as arrogant and self-centered. He uproots his family on a whim and seems to expect them to care for him physically and emotionally through his four-year commitment, putting his own impulsive dreams above his (ex)girlfriend's considered ones. Somehow winning a silver medal at the Olympics makes that okay? (Maybe this isn't how it played out in real life, but it's how it comes across in the book.) The story I wanted and needed to read is the story introduced in the epilogue. What happens after the athlete spends four years ruining their body for a moment of glory? What happens after the dream is realized? Was it worthwhile? Is it criminal to say it wasn't? What toll does idolizing athletes take on our society? If Jeremiah Brown writes that book, I'll be first in line to read it.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowers and non-rowers alike can enjoy this book.

Jerrimiah Brown has written an incredibly engaging account of his bid for Olympic glory in his book, “The Four Year Olympian”. It recounts his journey from dedicated, but not so amazing college football player, to elite international rower. For those of us with experience in the sport of rowing, it is an impressive enough feat to get to international level, let alone the Olympics, but to achieve both from complete beginner within an Olympic cycle, reflects a very unique single-mindedness.

The journey alone should tempt the rowing community to read it, and there are many lessons and insights contained within for those wishing, and willing, to find them. Brown lays bare his emotions and the effects training at the elite level had on him, his support network, and his team-mates. Rowers will feel cocooned with a familiar blanket of experiences as the story unfolds.

For those who have little or no knowledge of the rowing world, or of elite sport, it will enlighten and entertain, and probably reaffirm why you chose not to pursue a similar direction. Brown’s style draws in his reader, partly through his transparent self-examination, and partially through his simple approach which embraces those with little or no knowledge of the sport.

Brown does not get weighed down with a heavy literary approach, and while some similes and metaphors are enhancing and original, other parts of the narrative feel slightly clunky, including the use of selectively fruity language at particular moments in the story. However, the overall enjoyment is not ruined by this lack of a complete linguistic and stylistic adeptness. Instead, it adds to the rawness and truth presented, providing authenticity and layers to what could easily have been a self-proclaiming, “look at me” book. Indeed, perhaps precisely because he is not self-promoting, Brown raises questions and issues that many will be unaware face elite athletes when they retire from their sports, and in part touches on answers. In a world evermore focused on becoming the centre of attention, being relevant, and portraying that all is well and wonderful, he provides a stark reality which lies on the far side of such single-minded success.

I would encourage any and all looking for a truthful portrayal of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of sport to read and take note of Brown’s physically and emotionally demanding journey. Know too, that these lessons can be transferred to any skill, craft, or effort-based endeavour––essentially, life itself, but like everything, without balance the results may not be what you expect.

I was approached to read and review this book because my background includes 20+ years coaching rowing across an age range of 7-78, and all levels from novice to elite. I received a free copy in order to do this and do not personally know Mr Brown or the publishing team.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free ebook copy of The 4 Year Olympian, in exchange for an honest review. The comments that follow are my own, after reading the complete text.

The year I turned 40, I decided to preempt any impending mid-life crisis by returning to the river and rowing again after many years away from the water. My wife would probably argue that actually is a mid-life crisis, as I strive to recapture moments of glory from my university rowing experience 20 years ago. But I continue to row regularly, and have rediscovered my love of this sport.

Reading Jeremiah Brown's memoir "The 4 Year Olympian" was the logical next step in my so-called crisis. Jerry delivers a unique perspective from inside the head of an elite athlete at the highest level in this sport. Drawing from his memories, I can experience a bit of the pain both on and off the water in pursuit of a place on the Olympic podium. Through his words, I can imagine the surge of adrenaline in the first strokes of the race, the exhaustion in the middle 1,000 meters, and the grit it takes to finish. His personal story uniquely shares the sights, sounds, splashes, blisters, and pain through the perspective of his inner thought life. This memoir exposes the race he rowed in his head to complete his quest, and invites me to share that journey.

As I read this book, I found myself reliving moments from my university rowing career and double-taking with incredulity at his level of athletic performance, wondering “Is this guy for real? Is this really possible?” But Jerry's rowing under Coach Spracklen was exponentially more challenging personally and physically than my own experience, in large part because of the complete and total investment he made during that season. He held absolutely nothing back in reserve. In the end, his medal proves that Jeremiah Brown is for real. His story, told in his own words and sharing his own memories, made that reality believable.

In spite of the author’s herculean personal effort in pursuit of his goal, I appreciated that he also recognized the team that made it possible: his coach and crew, yes, but also family and personal relationships. Rowing is not an individual sport, and an elite crew isn’t just built on the effort and determination of individuals. That crew is carried on the backs of those relationships, and Jerry shares that again and again throughout this memoir.

The most personal moments in his memoir reveal his growing sense of the team. At the midpoint of his personal journey, he begins his awkward transition from rowing individually to becoming part of a crew in an eight man shell. By the time of the 2011 World Cup event in Lucerne, Switzerland his maturity is growing: "The fundamental thing moving the boat is the understanding that seven other rowers are suffering just as much as you are. Until they stop, you don't stop. You can't believe they continue, but they do. It's thousands of hours of training side by side, wondering who's going to break, just to become teammates in a long skinny boat..." By the time Jerry reaches the Olympics in 2012, his maturation is complete. As his crew powers to a Silver Medal finish he realizes "The British have nothing left. I have Brian, Will, Andrew, Malcolm, Conlin, Rob, Doug, and Gabe. I wouldn't trade them for anyone else in the world." In that moment, it isn't just eight elite oarsmen. In that moment, it is the culmination of shared training and effort as a cohesive crew, a special collection of 8 men and their supporters that is unique in all world. Set against the backdrop of elite rowing, this forging of an individual athlete into a seamless portion of the team is at heart of this story.

His memoir also hints at the price Jerry paid for his incredible achievement. I wish his final Epilogue were explored in more depth as a full Part; hopefully that will be his next book as he shares more of his work today. His total commitment to his Olympic endeavor really did hold nothing back; his new challenge is a chance to rebuild and recover from what he lost in a way that helps future Olympic and Paralympic athletes as they transition out of sport.

My own journey has been different than his. I’m glad for that. This book has given me a glimpse inside the mind of an Olympian. I’ve often wondered “what if” about my journey in this sport. What if I had been more determined, put in greater effort, given all of myself? But today, I still row on the water with a club that loves the sport. On the best rowing days my daughter joins us, sometimes as a coxswain and occasionally stroking an oar. It’s a different journey, with a different ending. Jeremiah Brown’s “The 4 year Olympian” helps me understand what might have been, and appreciate the treasure that I have.

One closing comment: some reviews and blurbs highlight this book as "gritty" and I'm not sure I appreciated that aspect. I may have had some of the same thoughts while training and rowing, so I'll admit that the grittiness rang true. But colliding with it in print may make this book less suitable for young readers (and it probably isn't actually worse than what they may hear every day on the school bus). I'm all for honesty, but would prefer it with some of the grit polished off.

[Schuyler Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I suspect that writing “The 4 Year Olympian” was a chore for Jeremiah Brown. His self-doubt is evident throughout his retelling of his experiences in search of an Olympic medal with crippling apprehension that is palpable to the reader. It seems that every element of his life has been filled with an unease that appears to paralyze him.

But he has the balls to get it done. Despite his battle with himself, he has written a damn fine book. It probably won’t outsell the wildly popular “The Boys in the Boat” but it’s a different story of a different time.

It tells of one man’s battle with himself, his personal circumstances, and his teammates and coach on a mission to be accepted as a member of the Canadian men’s eight rowing team and win an Olympic medal. The author of “The Boys,” another Brown, centered his story on each member of the U of Washington team, their backgrounds, their struggles through the Depression, and their experiences at the highly political 1936 Olympics in Hitler’s Germany. This Brown won silver in the 2012 Olympics in London.

I have to admire Jeremy Brown’s struggles and his accomplishments. He made some poor decisions, misbehaved when it wasn’t prudent, and, in general, magnified his own struggles. But he is honest with his self-appraisal and how his behavior made his journey tougher than it should have been. His ability to hunker down and join his teammates in almost crippling physical exertion is shocking to read.

I encourage you to read this highly personal confession of nearly losing everything one needs to have a successful life. There are lessons to be learned and praises to be sung. An Olympic medal winner is certainly someone to listen to, particularly when his voice is clarion clear.

[Elizabeth McInerney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Warning: this review contains spoilers.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has experienced rowing or the Olympics, or who aspires to the Olympics. As a beginner rower, I loved immersing myself in the descriptions of training and races. I also absolutely love the video on the book's web site. However, I leave this book feeling like something is missing - perhaps there is more to the story, or maybe it was written too soon, or for the wrong reasons.

The description of the book on the back cover starts with "After nearly being incarcerated at age 17...", which gives one the impression that we have a turn around tale here, which is not the case at all. The author was a good kid from a nice family who did something stupid, and unlike most teens, got caught. Although that was most likely a very difficult experience at the time, it does not really connect with the rest of the book. Without that incident, the story still happens.

The book is beautifully written, making it hard to understand why the author struggles to find work after his rowing career. He either has the chops to continue writing, or there was some help with a ghost writer, which, if true, might explain why it feels like it's missing an overarching theme.

I found the title "4 Year Olympian" misleading because he entered this quest as a well conditioned athlete, with a body built for competitive rowing. Given that the author also jumped into 4 years of college football with no prior experience, and almost made it to the pros, I find myself wondering if a better title could have incorporated both experiences, or focused more on the substantial amount of work he was willing to devote to both goals. The single minded commitment is more impressive than the time span. It seems he had a passion to excel in sports and found the right one for his body after 3 tries (hockey, football, rowing). What drove him? Was it ego? Did he need an outlet for his anger? Where did his drive come from? We never find out.

His relationship with his son's mother ends without the reader really understanding why. She sounds like a wonderful person. I leave the book feeling sad, he got the medal (plus friendships and great memories) but lost the girl (and lost time with his young son, may have permanently injured is back, and has had to endure post-Olympic depression). It is unclear whether or not pursing an Olympic dream was the best life choice. Maybe that's why he wrote the book, to add one more thing to the plus side of picking this particular fork in his road. Its an enjoyable book, it just left me wanting more.

[sayitwithasmile · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I was being bullied by this fucking miserable sport. There was no respite, only ceaseless provocation, stroke after stroke after stroke." -Jeremiah Brown, The 4 Year Olympian.

4.25 stars.

As a former rower, I found this book deliciously entertaining and mildly sadistic. Though I love it, rowing is a sport that tears you up emotionally and physically and forever scars you. Brown's descriptive and brutally honest language gave me anxiety flashbacks of 2k tests, pre-race jitters, lactic acid build-up, and absolute exhaustion. I no longer row everyday but reading this memoir made me want to hop on the erg or into a boat again just as much as it made me enormously glad I retired from the sport. (I actually did go to a erging gym while reading which ended in an intense fight or flight response. I have not yet decided whether I want to go back.)

I am always a fan of the inspiring sport memoirs. There is something so scintillating about reading someone else's pain and suffering towards a goal that is ACHIEVED! I felt myself tearing up at the end when Brown and the Canadian Men's Eight won Silver at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. It immediately made me look up the YouTube video which lead me down a black hole of heartwarming and heartbreaking sports history.

While the vast majority of the memoir was pretty amazing, I felt myself thrown by a few factors. I cannot believe the audacity of Jeremiah Brown to decide he wanted to row and make the Olympic team in only 4 years. Having spent 10 years of my life suffering from my love of the sport, it enrages me that he thought he could do that and then DID. I give him mad kudos but GOD, what an absolute JERK to be able to pull this off! Also, he got arrested as a teen for robbing a Pita Pit and spent an entire chapter explaining that he was an idiot but also that the reaction of the law was a bit much. He got off with community service and a few years later when he got a job and realized he had to disclose his record, the company laughed it off as a childhood prank. If that isn't a bunch of white male privilege bullshit, I don't know what is. Pretty small complaints but they weighed on my soul when reading.

Overall, this book was great. I highly recommend for anyone who likes inspiring sports memoirs with enthusiastically descriptive and intensely brutal language. It was inspiring and maddening and I enjoyed almost every second of it!

[Todd Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Let’s you see behind the scenes of an incredibly physical and mentally demanding sport. The mental toughness required to make it onto the Canadian team let alone medal on the world stage is amazing and this book lays it all out and is really eye opening. Great read I couldn’t put down.

[Nick G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for being honest and passionate about your rowing journey, a real account of the highs, but also the daily and practical challenges of the pursuit of being an Olympic athlete. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jeremiah Brown’s story.

It is a great honour to be an Olympian and to win a medal at an Olympic Games is an absolute dream come true.

Jeremiah, firstly congratulations on your Olympic silver medal and the ‘oarsome’ and engaging book. I was one of the lucky spectators who watched your race in London live. As the Australian Olympic Team Chef de Mission, I was cheering on the Aussies in anticipating of a fast and world class race – it didn’t disappoint.

As a fellow Olympic oarsman (1992 and 1996), I relived my own rowing journey while reading your book. A very honest and enjoyable story. Every rower has a story to tell… the blisters, relationships, crew dynamics, coach/athlete partnership, sore bodies, fatigue….we can all have empathy and respect for your journey in chasing Olympic success. I found the insights of joining a decorated rowing 8, coupled with the expectations on defending Canadian’s position as reigning Olympic Champions, an extremely fascinating story.

For me, the journey to be an Olympian helped shaped me as a person. I can now reflect on my own rowing pursuits and can clearly say that it is the lifelong rowing friends, and the connection with the Olympic alumni, that I value the most. Competing at the Olympics also awoke a passion in me for the Olympic movement. Once I finished competing, I was fortunate to attend another 6 Olympic Games in various roles, a chance to give back, and immerse myself in the Olympic spirit.

The reason to highlight my long-term engagement with the Olympic movement, is to call out that I initially struggled with the bluntness on the short-term focus on becoming an Olympian. It was almost a ‘tick that box and move on’ approach. However, having now read the book, I can understand and respect your story, and that each athlete has a different reason for wanting to face the daily hurdles to become an Olympian. As a traditionalist, I hope you can immerse yourself back into the rowing and Olympic Alumni, as you have many friends worldwide, some you don’t know you have.

[Tiina Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading “The 4 Year Olympian”, from author and 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist, Jeremiah Brown. In the spirit of full disclosure, I was provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

In four words: I loved this book.

I don’t row. It doesn’t matter. In 2008, Jeremiah Brown wasn’t a rower either. Whether you are a rower or not, this book is inspirational as it chronicles Brown’s quest to become an Olympic medalist in Men’s Crew.

Although I was familiar with some of the locations described in the book (go Marauders!), that wasn’t necessary to enjoy the book as locations and more importantly, events are so vividly described, you feel like you are taking a journey with the author.

Similarly, although I am familiar with the sport, that isn’t a requirement to draw inspiration from the pages.

Like many, as a youngster, I would watch the Olympics and dream about being an Olympian. I dreamed of being so good in a sport that one day, I would make it to that pinnacle of success and represent my country at the ultimate in sporting events.

Reality check – I wasn’t, nor did I have the drive to push myself that hard when there were so many other things and obligations that needed to take priority. Which is why one line from the book really stood out to me: to quote “sometimes the only difference between a clumsy fool and a future Olympian is the determination to continue”.

If you are looking for a truly inspirational book for yourself, or for someone else, I highly recommend “The 4 Year Olympian”. You don’t need to be an athlete to draw wisdom from the pages, and be inspired by Brown’s quest.

These words inspired me…. “…..as with any new endeavor, the first hurdles can be more discouraging than the hardest challenges that come later in the journey. Early progress is like watching a plant grow: you can’t see it, but it’s happening. Slowly roots grow, a foundation takes shape, and progress becomes visible. The key is not to get discouraged in that time before your progress reveals itself.”

I hope this book will provide inspiration to you as well!

[Meaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found "The 4 Year Olympian" to be a starkly honest analysis that showed an impressive amount of self-awareness. Other reviewers have rated the book at fewer than 5 stars directly as a result of the author being an unlikeable person in the first several chapters. While I agree that his smugness is unbearable in the beginning, I find myself impressed with the clarity with which the author could analyze and, more importantly, admit these things about himself. Additionally, his personal growth throughout the course of the book is striking.

While it was at times apparent that Mr. Brown is a first-time author (my confusion was mostly regarding timeline, including when he graduated college and around when his son was 5), the language with which he tells his story is poetic and lilting, beautiful and heart-wrenching. Mr. Brown was able to express both the joy and the horrific, horrible pain of rowing in a way no author I'm aware of ever has. The pace of the story kept me engaged in a way few non-fiction books do. I appreciated the rowing and coaching nuggets that were scattered throughout the book, as well as the in-depth look at Mike's coaching from someone who rowed under him.

I wish I'd had the chance to read this while I was still rowing competitively, but I found it inspiring and vindicating, and I'd recommend it to anyone who rows, coaches, or is interested in rowing.

[Chris Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is the most humanizing Olympic superhero story ever

Beautifully written. Amazingly intimate and personal. So much painfully beautiful detail. Extremely humanizing, breaking down what easily could have been a boorish brag fest into a page turner that makes the extreme price and cost of becoming an Olympic silver medalist—including the madness, insecurity, paranoia, anxiety, anger, rage, and disappointing trader goes along with all the rewards and camaraderie, all that pride and cocksuredness. The author, Jeremiah, is a lot. And he knows it. And he shows the beauty and the ugly. This is a special book and not a downer. I promise. And even the ugly humanity it extremely beautiful as rare. I highly recommend it. I rowed in college but you don't need to be an athlete, a rower, or even a Canadian to enjoy this surprisingly long book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Though I ordinarily don’t read sports memoirs, I found myself really engaged in this book, which details all of the grueling details of Jeremiah Brown’s four-year climb to competition in the London Olympics with the Canadian rowing team. I think the book is inspiring for anyone, because it shows just how much someone is capable of, if they dedicate everything they have to a single goal. I also appreciated Brown’s honest appraisal of what that singular focus actually can cost a person - in his case, that meant some of his relationships and his mental health. Though Brown is not a perfect person, it’s clear that he put it all out there in the boat and also in this book.

[Alden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an honest, well-written, and inspirational account of the road to the podium of the Canadian men's 8. Jeremiah's early struggles, from childhood through trying to find a seat on the Olympic team, and the aftermath after winning a silver medal, are as compelling as the rowing itself. His voice is uncompromising with a mature humanity, showing acute insight into the personalities of the protagonists. His book is also a treat for those of us who love rowing, the art and science, and the experience, of it. Jeremiah has put his heart and soul into this lovely book, and it shows.

[Sally Kehoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an Olympic rower myself, Jeremy accurately provides the reader with the 'behind the scenes' reality and sometimes brutality of elite sport. Jeremy's commitment to the sport and the level of personal sacrifice made to make his dream a reality is commendable. The book takes the reader through the harshness and the beauty of rowing and insight into the internal battle of an athlete surviving in the world. The writing style is not refined but the rawness of Jeremy's style makes you feel like you are in a conversation with quite a remarkable person.

[Winston To · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and very motivational. The biography demonstrates what happens when an individual has a goal with determination, hard work and the never give up mentality. Great read for any young athlete or sport fan on the inside the scene of what it takes to become an Olympian.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. After completing reading this book, I needed to sit with my thoughts about it for a few weeks prior to writing a review. When I initially finished the book I found myself agitated by the stress and negativity that filled so many of the pages. Given that I have rowing experience, I fully understand the intensity of the sport and what it takes both physically and mentally to get down that race course. There is a certain amount of internal rage that's required to be successful. (The peaceful glide that you see across the water belies what's actually taking place in the boat.) If someone begins the sport and has four year Olympic aspirations, that intensity must certainly compound and multiply. In reading Jeremiah's description about that intensity, I'd have to say that it was difficult to sift through the heart pumping stress and anxiety that I know rowing to cause and really get to the root of how I felt about the story itself. At the end of the day, I realize that I can’t fully relate. There is nothing in life that I have wanted as badly, at such a personal, professional, familial cost, as Jeremiah's dream. I can’t even begin to fathom putting my young family’s needs in second place to a personal dream. I am simply wired differently. With that said, there is no judgement in that. What Jeremiah's passionate drive towards his goal is the key to his success. Just as the things I am passionate about fuel mine. Jeremiah not only set a goal but achieved it – in remarkable time no less. He has much to be proud of. What the book does leave me hoping is that Jeremiah went from on from the Olympics to find peace in his life. His Olympic passion is fueled by anger, self-doubt, and criticism towards so many people and circumstances. While that fuel might get you down a winning race course, it could cause some untenable wakes in the real world. I wish him all the best. In the end, I can say that this is an interesting perspective on the sport of rowing and what it takes to become an Olympian.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this memoir, Jeremiah Brown tells the story of how he managed to get the idea in his head that he could make it to the Olympics as part of the Rowing Canada's National Team, having never put an oar in the water, and then proceeded to do just that. It is a story of an individual with a fair amount of athletic ability and physical strength, who manages to accomplish what most people would write off as impossible largely by the sheer power of will and dedication. As a former rower (all through high school and part of college), the technical aspects of rowing as well as the physical challenges and psychological struggles he describes ring true and reflects an experience similar to mine, only magnified by the elevated intensity of the level at which he was striving to perform. What also felt familiar was the intense demands of the sport on its athletes, to the point where everything else in your life becomes secondary to performing in the boat (this is part of why I stopped rowing when I did). The window into Jeremiah's inner monologue as he first embarks on this outrageous quest, deep in the depths of a brutal training regimen, and in the midst of world-class races all the way up to and beyond the Olympic finals, lay bare the true inner workings of this elite athlete's mind, and it is anything but the heroic glamour that we often ascribe to our sports heroes. He is selfish, prone to rage, and obstinately singleminded in his pursuit, not to mention filled with self-loathing and doubt, but it is because of these characteristics, not in spite of them, that he is able to reach the heights of physical and mental performance that result in him standing on the medal podium at the London Olympics.

It was an engaging read throughout, especially as a former rower, but even those who (much like Jeremiah in 2008) have never rowed a stroke in a shell will find his journey captivating.

My one complaint would be that he addresses life after victory too briefly in his epilogue. It sounds like there is a fascinating story to tell about how he managed to redefine who he is in the shadow of what many will consider the peak of his life's accomplishments, after having focused on one single-minded pursuit to the exclusion of nearly everything else in his life for four years. To be fair, that story may be far from over, as writing this book seems to be part of how he has come to terms with what he managed to accomplish, where he is now, and who he is as a person.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is that honest review.

[Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true-to-heart account of what is required at the level, and an honest delivery of the lessons learned. I appreciate fully, the conjoined perspectives of a novice & elite athlete. The shared insights in those two categories may surprise the neophyte, but not the seasoned high performer. The experience is not dissimilar to the Freshman Rowing of American universities a couple decades ago.

More so, I'm impressed with the author's willingness to reveal (and sometimes revel in!) his own flaws & struggles, and am grateful he shared his emotions as accurately as it appears he did. There is something pure in Brown's descriptions that for me, are vaguely reminiscent of Assault on Lake Casitas, a classic in the rowing literary pantheon.

The childhood fascination with an Olympic quest, the pull of family, the raw relationship with Coach Spracklen, and learning to manage oneself emotionally, all add to the truth of this oarsman’s experience. Any rower or coxswain will find the journey relatable. However, it is the sometimes strained way these facets of life interplay that make Jeremiah's book worthwhile for a broader readership.

This is a great read for enthusiastic beginning rowers, anyone considering high performance anything, and of course the deeply initiated. In particular, I would encourage rowing people to share it with those who believe the sport is elitist—they are likely to finish the book with more clarity and a refined perspective. Lastly, I’m not surprised a drummer figured out rowing. It turns out that rhythm, flow, and playing well with others, is universal. I am a better coach for having read this book. Thanks for sharing your journey so openly, Jeremiah, and for your later commitment to healthy high performance.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeremiah Brown's self-told story from a quirky start and fairly quirky family life to win an Olympic silver medal in rowing, and beyond captivated me so much I read it in a day and a half. The personal stories - sad, confused, uplifting and deeply honest - are interspersed between revelations about what rowing is really like - emotionally, psychologically, physically and intense social interaction. The writing of these stories is organised into 59 short, endearing chapters, which keep the pace going, and finishing with a must read epilogue. The book is crisply written with honest and colorful moments. There are also reflections on mental health aspects of sport achievers, their drive and their well-being after achievement. While Jeremy writes in the first person, the other real life characters - family, athletes, coaches and social circles - are all portrayed with sometimes wry honesty and a warm regard, usually. By co-incidence Jeremy got his silver medal from the 7 seat in the 8, and one of my coaches (Joe Fazio) got a silver for Australia in the Mexico Olympics. Joe's rowing stories had similar messages and intensity. For me personally, Jeremy captures the highs and lows that all rowers go through - self-doubt, elation, pain and a kind of obsessive determination. The portrayal of coaching and crew cohesion, and tension are gold.

Tom Osborn, former Captain and Coach, Newcastle University Boat Club.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5 stars) I got easily hooked on this sports memoir - Adversity is overcome, underdog rises to the top through hard work (combined with luck and genetic gifts), teamwork magic occurs. We all know how it ends, it says it right on the front cover. And this would have all translated into a 5-star book if I didn't spend a decent amount of time thinking that the author was being a total dick. He spent so much time angry, and had very little introspection as to where this rage was coming from (until the epilogue, where it's implied that it's a manifestation of depression. Which probably would have made me read the whole book in another light). He's incredibly fortunate that the mother of his son is an incredibly tolerant woman, I'm not convinced I could live as they did while Brown pursued his Olympic goals. But more than that, who walks on to a national team and immediately thinks that he knows better than everyone else? His initial likability is undermined by the overwhelming smugness oozing out of him come the Olympics. However, it's hard not to respect and admire his determination and commitment.

[Ann Frost · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have the pleasure of introducing the author at a large speaking engagement this coming week (he's coming to address the entire class of HBA 1s) so wanted to read his book beforehand. The book gives a much more favourable view of the guy than his publicist's "suggested bios" that make the guy sound like a creep and actually made me laugh out loud. Instead, the book presents a picture of a real human being - one with incredible drive, a very high tolerance for pain (what is with rowers and pain??), numerous hurdles to overcome (including not knowing how to row, not having a coach, and an unexpected baby), and flaws that he is honest enough to admit to (anger and selfishness being two big ones). What I also appreciated was that he recognized how both fortunate and lucky he was on this quest - being 6'5" definitely helped, finding a job in Victoria was key, being introduced to a rowing coach that would take him on, and having the mother of his son be willing to re-locate so they could co-parent during this project. I look forward to meeting him next week.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading the story about Jeremiah's unlikely journey to the Olympics. It was well written and brought me right back to my days as a competitive rower. For anyone familiar with rowing in Canada it gives some insight into what was going on at the National Training Centre in Victoria in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics, and some of the reasons why the program is having to rebuild and restructure now.

I did spend quite a few chapters shaking my head and feeling like Jeremiah had no business being on the National team, I can imagine it was probably very frustrating for his experienced teammates who had spent years training to have someone in the boat who had so little experience. He did prove himself in the end, but as most rowers have witnessed, in rowing some of what will make and break your career is having a coach decide to put you in the right boats and allow you to stay on the team (as Mike Spracklen did with Jeremiah).

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. If I were rating the author himself, I’d give it one or two stars. He’s blindingly entitled, selfish, and unappreciative. But the book itself flows well.

It starts out describing what Brown calls a prank: robbing a delivery person. Most of us call that a felony. Through the middle, people make massive sacrifices for Brown to help him pursue his unlikely dream. It ends with him throwing his coach under the bus then offering a weak thanks in the epilogue.

That said, it’s a good book. Brown captures the pain and glory of rowing. Despite his character flaws as a person, he’s raw and honest as a writer. The epilogue gives solid insight into the dark side of high performance sport.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Jeremiah and hearing this amazing story of his journey in person and it will be one of the most memorable moments. I wondered how reading the book would be in comparison to hearing it directly from him and I can tell you, it did not disappoint. Even knowing the story before reading, I was still anxious to read on. So much emotion is in this book, you can just feel it and he really just puts you right there with him. What an inspiration this man is! Truly an amazing person inside and out. I will always remember his story and I tell everyone to read his book. You dont have to be a rowing advocate to enjoy it. And hes not lying when he says the Olympic medal is heavy lol. He brought it with him and i got to hold it so that was fantastic!

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever kind of read you are looking for...this is it. I read this is one day, I could not put it down! One of the best sports memoirs I have ever read (and I read A LOT). Jeremiah Brown opens up and tells his incredible story with so much honesty and passion. I always knew that Olympians must train hard and give it everything, but this took it to a new level. The intensity rowers put themselves through, all in the name of a dream is mind boggling. And the writer did it balancing a kid and no experience.This was a thorough, well-written story. I love the detail he goes into. Dare I say future career as an author. Definitely worth the read - highly recommend!!