Taran Stucchio

Hometown : Mt. Vernon, NY
Birthdate : 07/10/1988
Height : 6’4”
Weight : 220lbs
Workout Song : The Hand That Feeds, Nine Inch Nails

It’s difficult to miss Taran Stucchio on the water. And not just because of his size. A coach nicknamed him “Big T”; it’s a fitting nickname for the 6’4 paddler. But what he adds to the kayak in weight, he certainly makes up for with brute strength. Stucchio got involved in kayaking at a summer camp when he was eight years old. He kayaked every summer for six years until he realized with dedication and his natural talent, he could really go places.

At 15, Stucchio competed in the 2004 Olympic Trials in Oakland, California, but he did not qualify for the Olympic Games. He became a resident of the Olympic Training Center in 2006 as a member of the U.S. National Team. There, he joined his sister Susannah in a family pursuit of the Olympic Games. He competed in the 2007 World Championship in the K-4, placing 9th in the K-4 200m. At the 2007 USA Sprint Team Trials, Stucchio placed 3rd in K-1 500m, 1st in K-2 500m and 3rd in K-2 1000m.

Taran relies on his competitive drive to give him an edge during a race. He said, “I’m competitive when I train. But when I race, my adrenaline pushes me into another gear and fuels me to the finish line.”

When he’s not kayaking, Stucchio enjoys reading, drawing and playing Guitar Hero.