Celebrating Hispanic History Month: Meet Gus Rodriguez

Gus Rodriguez is a four-time national team member on the U19, U23, Senior, and Olympic team. Gus was an alternate for the 2024 Paris Olympics. He rowed at Brown University and was named the 2021 USRowing U23 Male Athlete of the Year. Both his parents were rowers; his father, Raoul Rodriguez was a 1988 Olympian who won silver for Team USA in the men's four. 

What is your favorite quote, who said it, and what does it mean for you?

I've always loved the quote attributed to Maya Angelou that goes "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." I often find this quote popping up in my head every once in a while. As a competitive person, it's easy to overvalue certain goals in your life and let that get in the way of being kind to your peers. But, from my teammates, I've learned you can be both compassionate and a champion.

What role has your family and culture played in shaping your athletic career?

Family is everything to me. Both of my parents are from big families, so I grew up visiting them and telling them about how school is going and how rowing is going. I've always wanted to make them proud. Rowing is important to my family. I am the son of two Philly rowers, one from Vesper and the other from Penn AC, and my grandfather rowed back in Cuba before he came to the United States.

What advice would you give to younger rowing athletes who may struggle to see themselves in the sport?

Have role models! I am lucky because I've always been able to look up to my parents as they were both rowers, but I have also had other role models too. When I was a freshman at Brown, I looked at the juniors and seniors who were great guys and excellent oarsmen. It's kind of funny because I will always see them as "upperclassmen" even though they all have stopped rowing at this point for the most part. But role models don't have to even be rowers. I've always seen Michael Phelps as a role model for his dedication and ability to execute under pressure.

As you continue your career, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave for future athletes?

I hope to be remembered as someone who went fast, but had fun doing it.

What does it mean to you to have Hispanic Heritage Month recognized and celebrated?

I love celebrating Hispanic Heritage month. I am very proud of my family's story and it's very special to have a month where I can celebrate my roots.

How can sports organizations better support and celebrate diversity, particularly during Hispanic Heritage Month?

A great way to support and celebrate diversity is to encourage participation from all communities through programs like Stem to Stern. I loved being able to give back during my time at Brown by volunteering with that program. 

The 2024 theme for Hispanic Heritage Month is Pioneers of Change – shaping the future together. What does the future of rowing look like in your eyes?

I see a future where rowing continues to become more accessible. There's still work to be done, but as the barrier for entry lowers in our sport, the quality of rowing in the United States will increase.