The Shell Game: Reflections on Rowing and the Pursuit of Excellence

A Californian who had never touched an oar before arriving at Yale, Stephen Kiesling became part of the “engine room” of the varsity eight. His senior project was to write a book on the philosophy of sport while attempting to qualify for the Olympic Team. This is his story, told from inside the shell, of one of the most exciting races ever rowed. It is also his journey to the World Championships and, finally, the Olympic Team—when his competitors were his own Yale teammates and the Olympic coach was the Harvard coach, still aiming to beat Yale.