Encore! Rower Dara Alizadeh '11 Competes in His Second Olympics

When Dara Alizadeh '11 competed at the Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021), he became only the third rower in Olympic history to represent Bermuda. “It is the pinnacle of rowing, and I have always admired the Olympic athletes,” he said upon qualifying for Tokyo. Mr. Alizadeh had the honor of being Bermuda's flagbearer during the opening ceremony of the 2020 games. After Toyko, Mr. Alizadeh took a year off from racing before recommitting to the sport in 2022.

By competing in this year’s games in Paris, he became the first Bermudian rower to make multiple appearances at the Olympics.“Even though I’ve been here before, it’s as thrilling as the first time,” Mr. Alizadeh told The Royal Gazette. “It’s incredibly exciting, and you feel a sense of anticipation leading up to it. The experience within the Olympic Village, seeing all the athletes around, is still very special and exhilarating.” This year, Mr. Alizadeh held the honor of serving as the flagbearer during the closing ceremonies.

After graduating from Belmont Hill, he was a member of Penn’s heavyweight varsity eight crew. He also rowed at Cambridge, winning two Boat Races in 2018 and 2019 while pursuing a master’s degree. He also placed 23rd at the 2021 World Cup and 11th at the 2024 World Cup.

When interviewed for Belmont Hill School’s Bulletin prior to the 2020 Olympics he said his Belmont Hill experience stayed with him and inspires him in the most challenging circumstances. “I’ve taken a lot away from my time at Belmont Hill, from both the classroom and the river,” he says. “I was very fortunate to have great coaches in Middle School like Mr. Wood and Mrs. Sweeney. I was equally fortunate to then join a varsity program under Mr. Richards. The rowing team at Belmont Hill for me was a lifestyle, one of discipline, hard work, no excuses, and above all, ‘pull harder.’” And when he was asked in 2021 what lies beyond his Tokyo Dreams, he wasn’t sure, but said, “Paris 2024 sounds pretty sweet.”

On August 20, Mr. Alizadeh announced his retirement for the sport on his social media account saying, “It’s been a couple weeks since my final at the Big Dance, but I’ve only begun now to reflect on a most incredible experience.While some things might not have fallen my way, I gave everything in full, and I can live with that. I couldn’t think of a better stage to finally hang up my oars and walk away from rowing. I’ve had enough. Sixteen years have gone by quickly, but I certainly got out way more than I bargained for when I first showed up to the Belmont Hill boathouse many moons ago. I had the best time, and loved every minute of the ride.”

"It has been truly inspiring to witness Dara becoming a two-time Olympian," said Belmont Hill Head Coach Chris Richards. "The training he has done and the sacrifices he has made to achieve this milestone have been extraordinary. It is amazing to now look back on that middle school novice at Belmont Hill who went on to be our captain and then to do such great things in college, at Cambridge University, and finally at the Olympic level. Dara has remained a loyal alumnus and continues to be a wonderful ambassador for Belmont Hill Crew. We all wish him the best in his retirement from competitive rowing!"