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[S2] Ep. 9 - Napoleon Griffin: From Track to Power 10s

Napoleon Griffin (L) with his 2x partner Donnie Jensen.

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When recent podcast guest Tracy Falkenthal suggested we talk with Napoleon Griffin, we chased the lead.

A decorated middle distance track runner who learned to scull as an adult, Napoleon beat male breast cancer and today strives to get as much out of life as possible. He also survived Hurricanes Irma and Maria which devastated Puerto Rico in 2017, causing long-lasting power outages and leaving residents without access to clean water. Motivated by a desire for more training and racing opportunities, Napoleon relocated to Texas, where he now splits his time between Austin and Dallas.

TIME STAMPS
00:00 - Intro
1:40 - Rowing week and training philosophy
5:35 - Running Life
7:28 - Learning to row in Puerto Rico, moving to TX for rowing and racing opportunities
13:25 - Getting hooked on rowing
14:50 - The running to rowing connection
20:00 - Rowing in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
26:15 - Male breast cancer diagnosis, remission, and life lessons learned
40:10 - Rapid Fire Q&A
45:00 - Napoleon’s shout out


[S2] Ep. 9 Mentions

PEOPLE
Davis Colwell
Gevvie Stone
Matt Knifton
Coach Mark Borchelt
Tracy Falkenthal
Veronica Toro Arana

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
Austin Rowing Club
Dallas Rowing Club
Marquette University rowing
Nassau Rowing Club
Puerto Rican Rowing Federation
Recovery on Water
Susan G. Komen Foundation
Texas Rowing Center
USRowing
WeCanRow DC

EVENTS
Head of the Charles
Row for the Cure
USRowing Masters National Championships
World Rowing Championships