Americans Aquil Abdullah, 31, and Henry Nuzum, 27, finished sixth among seven finalists in men’s double sculls rowing Saturday at Schinias Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center. But their advancement to the final was an achievement in itself. They were the first U.S. finalists in 20 years. “I had the chance to line up against the best in the world today and see where I stand,” Abdullah said. “It’s a rare opportunity for any individual to really test himself in that type of arena.” Abdullah is the first African-American male to make the U.S. Olympic rowing team. Current International Olympic Committee member Anita DeFrantz was the first African-American rower to qualify for the Olympics, in 1976. “If people see rowing as a sport they can try, something that they can do just because they see me, then my job is done,” Abdullah said. “I was raised to believe each one teaches one. Hopefully, I’ve added something to someone else’s life.”
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