Armie Hammer may have faced significant challenges in his Hollywood career, but his portrayal of the Winklevoss twins in “The Social Network” has had an unexpected and inspiring impact on Olympic gold medalist Justin Best. Best, who recently made headlines for winning gold as part of the U.S. men’s rowing team, credits Hammer’s performance in the film as a pivotal moment that led him to pursue rowing professionally.
In a candid interview, Best shared how he found himself at a crossroads in his athletic journey. After suffering a concussion while playing football, he decided to step away from the sport. It was during this transitional period that his parents were watching “The Social Network,” a film that dramatizes the founding of Facebook and features the Winklevoss twins, portrayed by Hammer. The twins, who were rowers at Harvard and competed in the 2008 Olympics, sparked an idea in Best’s parents.
“So I was in between sports and I was going into my freshman year of high school and I had gotten a concussion in football and I was like, ‘No more football,’” Best recounted. “And obviously the Winklevoss twins are portrayed, and they are rowers by nature. And so my parents were like, ‘Hey, Justin has a similar body type to the actor who portrayed them.’”
That actor was Armie Hammer, who played both Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss in the film. While Hammer’s performance was enhanced by the use of a body double, Josh Pence, it was Hammer’s physicality that resonated with Best’s parents. They quickly took action, searching for local rowing clubs and signing him up for a “Learn to Row” program at Newport Rowing Club in northern Delaware.
Best’s journey into rowing began with a summer camp, where he was introduced to the sport that would ultimately lead him to Olympic glory. The Winklevoss twins’ story, intertwined with their rowing exploits, served as a unique catalyst for Best’s athletic career. “They Googled rowing clubs and signed me up for Learn to Row in northern Delaware and Wilmington,” he explained. “And got my first week with rowing camp.”
In real life, the Winklevoss twins were not just characters in a film; they were accomplished athletes who competed at the highest level. Their journey to the Olympics and their legal battles with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg added layers to their story, which was compellingly captured in “The Social Network.” Best’s own journey, however, would take a different path, leading him to a historic victory.
Fast forward to the Tokyo Olympics, where Best and his teammates made history by winning the first U.S. gold medal in the men’s four rowing competition in 64 years. This achievement not only marked a personal triumph for Best but also highlighted the unexpected ways in which a film could inspire real-life success.
Reflecting on his early experiences in rowing, Best recalled a moment during a practice that solidified his love for the sport. “The moment I fell in love with the sport was actually during a practice my freshman year of high school,” he shared. “I was upset and generally angry at the world as most moody 14-year-olds are. We would row a mixed novice 8+ by 6’s, doing drills and pauses. I put every last ounce of energy I had into the oar on every single stroke I took that practice because I was so angry.”
This emotional release during practice not only improved his performance but also helped him realize the positive impact that channeling his feelings into rowing could have. It was a transformative experience that deepened his connection to the sport.
Best’s journey through rowing has been marked by both highs and lows. He fondly remembers his best race at the 2018 U23 World Rowing Championships, where his team set a new world record for a U23 8+. “We came through the 1000 meter mark in just about 2:38, and I remember Rielly Milne telling us, ‘This is going to be a fast f-ing race boys,’” he recalled with a smile. “We won and set a new world’s best time for a U23 8+.”
However, not every experience has been as triumphant. Best also shared a particularly grueling practice from the summer of 2020, which tested both his physical and mental limits. “The workout was in singles, 30 minutes, rate 24, with a bungee cord on the stern, against an outgoing tide,” he explained. “It was physically exhausting and mentally a tough one to keep fighting in.”
Despite the challenges, Best’s dedication to the sport has paid off. He has represented the United States on multiple national teams and has achieved significant success in international competitions. His journey from a young boy inspired by a film to an Olympic champion is a testament to the power of inspiration and the unexpected ways it can shape our lives.
As Best continues to train and compete, he remains grateful for the role that “The Social Network” and Armie Hammer’s portrayal of the Winklevoss twins played in his life. The film not only introduced him to the sport of rowing but also set him on a path to achieving his dreams.
In a world where films often serve as mere entertainment, Best’s story serves as a reminder of the profound impact that storytelling can have on individuals. It highlights how a single performance can inspire a young athlete to pursue their passion and ultimately achieve greatness.
As for Hammer, while his career has faced significant hurdles, the legacy of his role in “The Social Network” continues to resonate in unexpected ways. The film remains a cultural touchstone, and its influence extends beyond the screen, shaping the lives of those who find inspiration in its narrative.
In conclusion, Justin Best’s journey from a concussion in football to Olympic gold in rowing is a remarkable story of resilience and inspiration. It underscores the idea that sometimes, the most unexpected sources of motivation can lead to extraordinary achievements. As Best continues to make waves in the rowing world, he carries with him the spirit of the Winklevoss twins and the inspiration that began with a film.
Source: People, Entertainment Weekly
