On a summer day in July 1952, nine U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen stood proudly on a boat landing in Helsinki, Finland, as they received their Olympic gold medals. Among them was Frank Shakespeare ’53, now the oldest living U.S. Olympic champion, and a key member of the legendary “Great Eight,” whose victory over the Soviet Union in the Olympic finals was the pinnacle of an extraordinary season for Navy’s varsity crew. Shakespeare becomes the oldest living U.S. Olympic champion after male figure skater and long-time announcer, Dick Button, passed away on January 30, 2025. According to Professor Paul Tchir of San Diego State University, there are older U.S. Olympians, but none who won an Olympic gold medal.
The Helsinki Olympics victory completed the first of three undefeated seasons for Navy, which prompted LIFE magazine to label this group of midshipmen “The Great Eight,” rowing’s equivalent to Notre Dame football’s “Four Horsemen.” Upon the midshipmen’s return to the banks of the Severn River, USNA Superintendent Vice Adm. C. Turner Joy (USNA 1916) dedicated the first parade of the new academic year to the Olympic crew. To this day, the members of “The Great Eight” are the only midshipmen ever to review a parade at the U.S. Naval Academy.Frank Shakespeare’s return to Navy Boathouse
On the passing of his teammate Dick Murphy in 2023, Frank Shakespeare returned to Hubbard Hall to engage with the current rowing team. Shakespeare explained how he was a long-time teacher after leaving the military and he would use his experiences as a Navy rower in almost all of his planned lessons. He went on to share his keys to success in rowing and in life. It was very uplifting for both the midshipmen and Shakespeare, who had just lost his wife after 69 years of marriage. Watch a video clip of Shakespeare’s message to the midshipmen.
A Historic Journey from Defeat to Dominance
The Navy rowing team had endured a period of struggles prior to its golden moment. In 1951, all three Navy boats competing in the national championships sank, leading one reporter to mockingly suggest mothballing the entire U.S. fleet. Yet, just one year later, these same midshipmen shocked the rowing world by winning the national title and embarking on a historic run to Olympic glory.
The transformation began under the leadership of coach Russell S. “Rusty” Callow, who made the bold decision to replace the entire varsity squad at the start of the 1952 season. The new lineup consisted of five sophomores, two juniors, and one plebe, most of whom had never rowed before entering the Naval Academy. Stroke seat Ed Stevens ’54 was the only experienced rower, having competed in high school. Other members of the boat included Wayne Frye ’54, Hank Proctor ’54, Bob Detweiler ’53, Dick Murphy ’54, Jim Dunbar ’55, Bill Fields ’54, and Frank Shakespeare ’53, with Dave Manring ’52 serving as coxswain.
The 1952 Olympic Triumph
Despite their inexperience, the Navy crew began the 1952 season as the underdog and quickly proved its mettle. Its first race against defending Eastern Champion Yale ended in a decisive victory. The boat went on to win the national championship at Lake Onondaga in Syracuse, New York, by an astonishing three boat lengths. It then dominated the Olympic trials at Lake Quinsigamond, earning its place on Team USA.
At the Helsinki Olympics, the Navy crew left nothing to chance. It won all of its qualifying heats by open water and repeated its dominance in the finals, outpacing a Soviet team that had trained together for two years. Its final time of 6:25.9 was nearly six seconds faster than the Soviets and firmly established it as the best rowing team in the world.
Service and Sacrifice
After graduating, the members of “The Great Eight” continued their commitment to service. Many pursued military careers with five entering the U.S. Air Force and serving in combat roles during the Vietnam War. Their contributions earned them numerous commendations, including Silver Stars, Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Stars, and Air Medals. Wayne Frye, for instance, was credited with shooting down a North Vietnamese MiG and received multiple honors for his valor.
The Great Eight Documentary
Many years later, a documentary was made about The Great Eight, narrated by Gregory Peck. To learn more, click on the link above and enjoy a part of Navy Letterwinner history.
Source: Navy Letterwinners’ January 2025 Newsletter
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