Justin Best, a 26-year-old investment analyst from Pennsylvania, has etched his name in history by becoming part of the first US team to win a rowing gold medal in the men’s four class at the Paris Olympics 2024 since 1960. The team’s victory over New Zealand and defending world champion Britain, with a time of 5:49.03, marked a significant milestone for US rowing.
Best’s LinkedIn profile swiftly reflected his Olympic triumph, with the addition of “Olympic Champion” to his bio alongside his role as Junior Analyst at Union Square Advisors. A graduate of Drexel University in business and engineering, Best has been employed at the San Francisco-based investment firm since November 2021.
Best’s dedication to both his investment banking career and competitive rowing is evident in his rigorous daily routine. He wakes at 5:30 am for training before commuting to his office via the Bay Area Rapid Transit train. After work, he returns to training at 5:30 pm, concluding his day by 8:30 pm.
The Olympic gold medal represents the culmination of a teenage dream for Best. Inspired by the film “The Social Network,” his parents enrolled him in a rowing summer camp, recognizing his potential in the sport. His first Olympic appearance was at the Tokyo Games in 2020.
Best’s success highlights the balance between athletic excellence and professional achievement. He credits his passion for the sectors covered in his investment banking role, finding excitement in the metrics and technology of the companies he analyzes.
