“…But why, some say, the moon? Why choose this as our goal? And they may well ask why climb the highest mountain? Why, 35 years ago, fly the Atlantic? Why does Rice play Texas?
We choose to go to the moon. We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win…”
John F. Kennedy – Moon Speech – Rice Stadium
Why the Olympics?
We are choosing to pursue the Olympic Games because we are drawn to challenges and find the Olympic Games as our goal to “measure the best of our energies and skills and is the challenge we are willing to accept and unwilling to postpone.” From those that came before us and helped to steer our way in sailing, we also want to inspire the next generation of sailors to challenge their own greatness.
Defining Our Campaign
Our Vision
To establish a legacy known for excellence and professionalism that will inspire the next generation of sailors to challenge greatness and pursue the Olympic Dream.
Our Mission
Representing the United States of America at the highest level of athletic competition by winning a medal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Our Key Values
Growth, Integrity, Resilience, Dedication, Excellence
Ian Barrows
Ian grew up in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands where he began his sailing career in the Optimist. Quickly he acquired a passion for the sport and transitioned to larger boats like 420s, Lasers, and Bytes. He competed nationally in High School competitions and internationally on the youth sailing stage. These experiences led him to several career youth highlights, including a gold medal in the Byte class at the Youth Olympic games in Singapore, three National Championships, 2nd in the Byte World Championship, and a 2nd in the Optimist World Championship. He graduated from Yale in 2017 with a degree in Economics. While sailing for Yale, he helped to win five National Championships. Ian is a four-time collegiate All-American and was awarded College Sailor of the Year for being the top male college sailor in 2017. For this journey to Paris, Ian is inspired by his brother, Thomas, who has been to two Olympic games in 2008 and 2016. In hopes of fulfilling his dream, Ian teamed up with former sailing partner, Mitchell Kiss, in the 49er skiff to qualify for the 2020 Olympics and win an Olympic medal. The two narrowly missed qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Games by finishing second at the United States Olympic Trials. For 2024, Ian has teamed up with Hans Henken and they are ready to hit the ground running towards Paris 2024.
Top Honors
2017 College Sailor of the Year
2010 Youth Olympic Gold Medalist
2019 Hinman Team Race Champion
2021 49er North American Champion
2021 49er World Championships – 4th Place
2022 Princess Sofia World Sailing World Cup – 2nd Place
Questions and Answers
When not sailing, what do you do?
Who or what is your inspiration in life?
What do you want to do apart from competitively sailing?
I enjoy surfing, spearfishing, tennis, basketball
My main role models are Roger Federer and my brother; They’ve been successful at what they do and they’re genuinely good people
I would like to be a veterinarian because I would love to be able to be around animals everyday
Hans Henken
A California native, Hans began sailing at six-years-old in the Naples Sabot. He has since competed at the highest levels of the sport in classes such as the 29er, 49er, the International Moth and most recently the supercharged, hydro-foiling F50 in the global SailGP Championship. In 2008, he introduced himself to the world stage when he won a bronze medal at the VOLVO Youth World Championships in the Men’s Double – Handed Division, 29er Class, and then proceeded to top that the following year when he became the U23 International Moth World Champion at the 2009 CST International Moth World Championships. He has spent extensive time with the US Sailing Olympic Development Team, US Sailing Team and US Sailing Team Squad, honing his craft and campaigning on the Olympic circuit in the 49er Class. While pursing his dream of one day competing at the Olympic Games, Hans also attended Stanford University from 2011-2018, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. During his time at Stanford, he was a member of the Stanford Varsity Sailing Team and was Team Captain from 2013-2014 during the Cardinal’s most successful season.
Hans is currently a member of the US Sailing Team. From 2015-2020 he campaigned along side his longtime partner Judge Ryan for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games and finished 2nd and 3rd respectively at the United States Olympic Trials in the 49er Class. Hans looks to continuing pursing his dream of competing at the Olympic Games and is campaigning for the 2024 Olympic Games in the 49er Class. Hans has also returned for season three of the global SailGP Championships for US SailGP Team, as one of the starting athletes, and will provide his sailing experience and engineering background on the supercharged F50.
Top Honors
2008 ISAF Youth World Championship – Bronze
2009 U23 International Moth World Champion
2015 Stanford Conference Male Athlete of the Year
2021 49er North American Champion
2021 49er World Championships – 4th Place
2022 Princess Sofia World Sailing World Cup – 2nd Place
Questions and Answers
When not sailing, what do you do?
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Why did you want to become a Rocket Scientist?
I am an avid skier, and surfer and enjoy taking to the slopes, or the surf whenever I can
As a master’s student at Stanford University, I worked in the Propulsion System Design Laboratory on a small team to develop, from the ground up, a scaled hybrid rocket engine
I have always been drawn to adventure and exploration and as a child wanted to be an astronaut because of my love for space. I also love building and designing new things and found Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering to be an awesome way to combine my passions
Barrows Henken Racing 