by Annie Davis

Bill “Beck” Becklean – photo by Sue Olin

“Every boat has a story,” says Bill “Beck” Becklean, the coxswain of the 1956 gold-medal U.S. Olympic team. Mr. Becklean, still trim and full of Olympic energy, spoke in his coxswain’s voice without benefit of a microphone to a full house in the Last Chapter event of this season’s Milton Reads.

Becklean is still in the game, coaching the impressive boys novice team from Cambridge Rindge and Latin.  With his gold medal in hand, he shared his own stories of struggle and glory, rules for living well, and the motivation to succeed.

He was joined by John Biglow, an Olympic rower from the 1984 U.S. team.  Biglow’s comprehensive presentation about the Milton Reads selection The Boys in the Boat, its author and personalities, and the 1936 Olympics was a perfect finale to this most successful season. Film of the 1936 Olympic race, in which the U.S. beat Germany, with his second-by-second commentary was truly a highlight.

In closing remarks, Mr. Becklean summarized the life lessons he has learned at rowing: “Don’t be late to the line.”