15 August 2024

By Göran Buckhorn

Five coaches received the Order of Ikkos from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) earlier in August, USRowing announces.

Casey Galvanek coached the men’s four to a gold medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kris Korzeniowski, Mike Teti and Tim McLaren were also awarded the medal for their contribution to the boat’s success.

The fifth coach to receive the Order of Ikkos was Michael Callahan, who coached the U.S. men’s eight to a bronze medal. He coached four athletes in the eight at the University of Washington, where he is in his 18th year as the head coach.

These coaches were nominated by the athletes of the crews and were awarded the medals at the Team USA House. The medallion is a symbol of excellence in coaching as represented by athletes’ achievement as an Olympic or Paralympic Medalist.

The Order of Ikkos is an opportunity for athletes to thank the people who have supported their journey to the Olympic Games. The Order was created by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee in 2008. It is presented by Team USA medal-winning athletes to a coach, mentor or other individual who has been instrumental in their success.

The Order of Ikkos is named after Ikkos of Tarentum, the first recorded Olympic coach in ancient Greece. His coaching led multiple Tarentine athletes to gold medals in the pentathlon, and his legacy is honored through this award. Each medalist is allowed to present only one medal to a selected recipient.

This article is based on two press releases from USRowing.