John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
John Taylor, Professor of Economics at Stanford University and developer of the "Taylor Rule" for setting interest rates | Stanford University
In less than two weeks, the Paris Olympic Games will commence. However, Stanford alumnus Hans Henken will be heading to the Marseille Marina, where the sailing events are scheduled to take place.
“Representing the United States at the Olympics this summer is an incredible honor and a lifelong dream come true,” said Henken. “The Olympics are the pinnacle of athletic achievement, on a stage where the best in the world come together to compete, and for me, it represents years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices.”
Henken, a California native who began sailing at six years old in the Naples Sabot class, has competed at high levels in various classes such as the 29er, 49er, International Moth, and most recently in the hydro-foiling F50 within the global SailGP Championship.
In 2008, he won a bronze medal at the Youth World Championships and became an Under-23 International Moth World Champion in 2009.
“It’s been my goal since I was a young kid to compete at the Games and to be able to say that I am going to accomplish that dream is a huge moment in my life,” added Henken.
Henken has trained extensively with the U.S. Sailing Team while also pursuing his education at Stanford University from 2011 to 2018. He earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering during his time there. He was also a member of Stanford's varsity sailing team and served as team captain from 2013 to 2014 during one of its most successful seasons.
“Being one of the 38 Stanford graduates competing for Team USA makes this achievement even more special and highlights that our university has such an incredibly talented and exceptional community dedicated to excellence,” said Henken.
Henken’s Olympic dream will become reality this summer as he competes as part of the U.S. Sailing Olympic Team at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The sailing events begin on July 28 in Marseille. Henken will race for the first time on August 1 with their class's medal race scheduled for August 6.
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