An OCU student was a finalist for an international award.
Senior Rower James Francis was one of the top four contenders for a Filippi Spirit Award presented by the World Rowing Federation, in partnership with Filippi Boats.
Hadzo Habibovic, head coach of rowing, said the award is for exceptional collegiate athletes.
“Every year, there’s the world rowing ceremony, and they have several awards they give out,” he said. “The spirit award is for the perfect collegiate athlete, if you will.”
Francis said the nomination was a surprise.
“I didn’t know about the award beforehand,” Francis said. “I didn’t really see it coming, to be honest.”
Habibovic, several of Francis’s teammates and a professor had to submit letters to qualify him for the award.
“The submission window was early in the fall semester,” Habibovic said. “We all submitted a letter, and they announced the finalists, and Jimmy had made the cut.”
Francis said the nomination was heartwarming.
“It was an honor to be nominated by my coaches and by my team,” he said.
The other nominees for the award were from Serbia, Australia and Sri Lanka. The winner of the award, Amidu Silva from Sri Lanka, was announced at the World Rowing Awards ceremony Nov. 23 in Berlin.
“He was the only U.S. athlete in the final four, and the last time a U.S. athlete was named one of the final four was 2015,” Habibovic said.
Francis has been on the rowing team for four years.
“I’m just really thankful for my friends and teammates and coaches,” Francis said. “I’ve learned a lot. It’s been an honor to see this team grow.”
Former Rower Jacob Castro said Francis is an amazing friend.
“He is, without exaggeration, the most uplifting person I’ve ever met in my life,” Castro said.
Habibovic said Francis is positive and driven.
“He’s kind of the star of the team,” he said. “You always know you’re going to get 110 percent.”
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