My name is Andrew Mangan, and I am training to achieve my goal of representing the US in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France. I qualified for the 2022 World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic, by winning US Nationals in July. I will be representing Team USA there in September. Be sure to subscribe and stay up to date on my training!
After the World Championships, my plan is to continue training while completing my studies at Stanford over the next two years. Your donations will help me purchase a boat to train in, and cover travel expenses to and from international races, entry fees, equipment, and other training costs over the next two years. Please read more about my journey and be sure to subscribe to follow along.
I grew up rowing at Canisius High School in Buffalo, NY, and have always loved the sport. I broke my neck in a freak accident when I was 16, which left me paralyzed from the chest down. Through hard work, luck, and prayers I have regained enough movement to walk.
Three years ago, I began rowing again in an adaptive rowing shell. Last summer I was officially classified as a PR1 rower - this means I row in a scull with a fixed seat and back. I began training out of West Side Rowing Club with my coach, Sasha Bailey. I have since raced across the country, winning Nationals, Dad Vails, and other races. I am excited to race internationally this September at Worlds in Prague.
I have been quite fortunate to have the support of a lot of people and organizations who have helped me in my rowing journey. As I look toward Paris in 2024, I am asking for any support you can offer. It costs $5000 for my coach and me each to travel and compete at the World Championships. Next summer, I will have to qualify and race in the World Championships again, to qualify the U.S for a spot in the Paralympics. I am also purchasing a shell to train in. Up until now I have borrowed shells to train in, but having my own instead will allow me to improve my training and customize my boat further. My intention is to use the majority of the funds donated to help me purchase a shell of my own and cover entry costs with any remainder going to defray travel and training costs. In addition to my studies at Stanford, I also have a paid internship with a San Francisco start-up and intend to dedicate that income to my costs.
Thank you again for your time and for any support you can offer. I am excited and proud to be representing the US in general, and Western New York and West Side Rowing Club in particular, at the World Championships and hope to continue to do so in Paris in 2024. If you wish to follow along, please subscribe here!