WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GRANT AND ROSS JAMES »» MEN'S ROWING
Fraternal twins Grant and Ross James graduated from UW in the spring of 2009 after a successful four- year career with the men's rowing program. After beginning their individual careers as walk-ons, the James brothers exited UW as one of the most accomplished and dominant rowing tandems in program history. The unique story of the twins' recruitment during their freshman orientation is well-documented and culminated in Wisconsin's first NCAA championship in over a decade during the 2007-08 season. Grant and Ross then went on to win gold in the eight at the 2008 World Rowing U-23 Championships, and were also members of the senior team at the 2009 and 2011 world championships. After qualifying for the 2012 Summer Olympics Games in the eight, the twins will again race side-by-side as they look to earn another gold medal — this time in London.
As the brothers prepare for their opening race later this week, UWBadgers.com caught up with each of them to see how the U.S. Olympians have been spending their time since leaving Madison.
What has life been like for you since graduation? Grant: After graduating we just kept rowing for the national team and going around the country, rowing in different locations and trying to get better. Ross: It's been a bit nomadic. We've been moving around the country, going to different training centers and trying to make the U.S. team. We spent some time in Oklahoma City, Okla., and then from San Diego to San Francisco, Calif., so we've been around, but it's been alright.
We had the chance to try and continue with part-time engineering work so we can further our degrees and our experience and then focus specifically on the Olympics this past year.
Where have you spent the most time since graduating? Grant: We first spent a year in Oklahoma City at their training center. Then we spent about a year in Chula Vista, Calif., there's a big training center there — and then another half-year in San Francisco where we had our selection and training for the Olympics. Ross: I spent about a year in Oklahoma City and then a year in San Diego, and then the rest of the time up here in San Francisco.
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