Teamwork
A major theme in the novel is the idea of teamwork and how without it, success is impossible. Especially while rowing, teamwork is extremely important because a team cannot win if the team members work separately. The rowers must be almost like a single body, working in unison to win. But the ideas of teamwork and working closely with other people can be applied also in a more general way as it is almost impossible to succeed in life on one’s own.
Propaganda
While presenting the journey of the American rowing team to get to the Olympics, the author also presented what was happening in Germany, namely the way Hitler’s men left the impression that there was nothing wrong with Germany and with its actions. Hitler had a propaganda office that was responsible for presenting the country in such a way that the foreign visitors would be impressed. It was as if the Olympic teams were presented with a play, carefully planned and structured but behind the scenes, violence, murder and injustice were the norm. The Germans were so successful in fooling the foreign visitors that they never imagined what was lying in the background and the number of people being killed or shipped to working camps during the Olympic Games.
The Great Depression
Following the First World War, America entered the Great Depression, a time characterized by economic hardship and unemployment. It is estimated that during the Great Depression, a quarter of the population was unemployed and struggling to make a living. Joe was one of them and he had to deal with financial difficulties. He was a man coming from a low income family and in order to put himself through college, he worked odd jobs during the school year and then during the summer holidays he would travel to various cities where he would find high-risk jobs that had good pay. Despite the hardship, Joe continued to row and his will to continue was shared by many more Americans who were not ready to let themselves be discouraged by the economic situation.
Vulnerability
Repeatedly throughout the book, Pocock reminds them that they will only succeed if they allow themselves to be vulnerable with one another. Vulnerability facilitates a deep trust and teamwork that is needed for a crew to find its swing.
Forces beyond our control
By detailing the rise of Nazism, the Great Depression, and the Dust Bowl, Brown contextualizes the efforts of the boys within global events. Each of them was shaped by events beyond their control, and these types of events continue to happen after they have won the gold medal. It is a constant of life.
White supremacism
At this time in history, whites believed they were the strongest and most intelligent race. They used this as a rationale for poor and abusive treatment of minorities.
Classism
The Washington boys had to prove themselves as the best among rich and storied programs such as Harvard, Yale, and Penn, who looked down upon them because they were working class boys who did not have family wealth. They were nearly prevented from going to the Olympics despite having the best time because they had to pay their way. Classism is present in rowing, and even if you are the best, it does not guarantee you respect from certain members in the sport.
