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Michael DiSanto ‘12

Men’s Heavyweight Crew: Men’s Eight, USA

Boston will be able to claim one of its own as a member of the USA Men’s Eight boat competing at Rio this summer thanks to Harvard grad Michael DiSanto ’12.

An Economics major who captained the Crimson before graduating in 2012, the Boston native was a pivotal component of three consecutive top-five finishes at the IRA National Championships during his time in Cambridge.

DiSanto made an early impact for Harvard as part of the freshman eight that went undefeated in dual racing in 2009 before moving on to become part of the first Varsity Eight as a sophomore. The then-sophomore encountered immediate success upon joining the Varsity boat, helping the Crimson take home the Eastern Sprints, EARC, and Ivy League title as well the program’s seventh Ladies Challenge Plate at the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta.

The success continued during DiSanto’s junior year with Harvard despite the team falling short of defending its Ladies Challenge Plate title at the 2011 rendition of the Henley. The Crimson once again took home the EARC, Eastern, and Ancient Eight titles as well as finishing runner-up to the University of Washington at the IRA National Championships.

After his successful campaign with Harvard, DiSanto suited up for US Rowing for the first time, competing in the men’s four at the U23 World Rowing Championships. The Boston native finished in sixth place in his first taste of international competition.

In his last season with the Crimson, DiSanto captained the Crimson to another Ladies Challenge Plate at the Henley as well as a perfect dual season and a third place finish at the IRA National Championship.

It took a year after graduating from Harvard before DiSanto donned the US uniform at the international level once again, as the rower represented USA at the 2013 World Rowing Championships. Competing in the men’s pair, DiSanto finished 14th overall.

Two years later, DiSanto improved on his previous performance, taking ninth place in the men’s pair at the 2015 World Rowing Championships before transitioning to the men’s eight for the 2016 international competitions.

DiSanto was part of the US boat that took first place at the Olympic Qualification Regatta and helped his country finish third at the World Rowing Cup a few weeks later. The US men’s eight will open up competition in Heat 2 of the event, competing against Germany and Poland.

–Staff writer Julio Fierro can be reached at julio.fierro@thecrimson.com.