Greater Washington
Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

Joe Jacobi

Joe Jacobi

Sport: Canoeing
Category: Athlete
Primary Team: USA National, Olympics
Year Inducted: 1993

Joe Jacobi is honored for winning the gold medal in double canoe at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Jacobi’s victory was the first U.S. gold medal in whitewater slalom. A graduate of Winston Churchill High School, Jacobi was first introduced to paddling during summer camp. He pursued the sport further, quickly reaching champion status. He has been the U.S. National Canoe Championship first place winner (C-2) since 1988 and was the youngest member of the team from 1987 through 1989. His talent also led him to win the 1990 Champion International Whitewater Series, outpointing the second place boat by 30 points.