Bolles Resident Life student Juan Tomás Vásquez Salas ’28 brought a piece of Bolles—and his passion for crew—back to Colombia this summer, inviting teammate Jack Thomas ’28 to join him for a week of sightseeing and rowing in his hometown of Cartagena.

Vásquez Salas said the pair came up with the idea to train in Colombia last school year, and during the visit, they completed eight 1.5-kilometer rowing segments in the Lagoon of Saint Lazarus.  

“It was a fun and important experience to me,” Vásquez Salas said. “I was able to bring a piece of what I’ve gained in Jacksonville and at Bolles back home to Colombia. Rowing isn’t a well-known sport there, so it was special to share that part of my life—and even more special to bring a friend from Bolles along.”

The experience not only strengthened their friendship but also helped spark interest in rowing among local onlookers in Cartagena – and even inspired the El Universal to pen an article about their training. In the article, Vásquez Salas shares his ultimate goal of starting a crew league that is accessible to everyone in Cartegena.

We’re #BulldogProud of Vásquez Salas and Thomas for representing Bolles and embracing the spirit of teamwork and global connection! #BollesResidentLife