What is joe rantz?

Here's some information about Joe Rantz:

Joe Rantz (March 31, 1914 – September 10, 2007) was an American rower who won a gold medal in the 1936 Summer Olympics. His life story is the subject of the bestselling non-fiction book, "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown.

Key aspects of his life include:

  • Early Life: Born in Spokane, Washington, Joe experienced a difficult childhood marked by abandonment and economic hardship during the Great%20Depression.

  • Rowing Career: He rowed for the University%20of%20Washington and was part of the eight-man crew that represented the United States at the 1936%20Berlin%20Olympics.

  • Olympic Gold: Rantz and his crewmates achieved a stunning victory at the Olympics, overcoming significant odds to win the gold medal.

  • "The Boys in the Boat": The book detailing his life and the experiences of the rowing team brought renewed attention to his story and highlighted the resilience and determination of young men during a challenging era.

  • Later Life: After his rowing career, he worked as an engineer. His story continued to inspire people long after his death.