Together, Ryan, John, Brian, and Mo form a powerhouse team—four men whose lives, skills, and spirits have been forged through challenge, endurance, and shared purpose. Each brings something irreplaceable to the crew: leadership, courage, discipline, humor, and an unbreakable will to push beyond the limits of body and mind.
What unites them is more than friendship—it’s a brotherhood built on trust, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to a cause that transcends personal ambition.
Their collective strength lies in the balance between physical endurance and emotional resilience.
When the Pacific rises in towering swells or the exhaustion feels unbearable, it’s their shared belief in the mission—and in each other—that keeps them rowing forward. Every stroke is a promise to the people they represent, a testament to hope and human spirit.
United by a mission far greater than themselves, they are driven not only to conquer the ocean but to make a lasting difference. Their journey is more than a race—it’s a living symbol of perseverance, teamwork, and the power of purpose.
Through grit, heart, and unity, they will transform this challenge into a story that inspires thousands and changes lives forever.
Ryan “Mac” McCarthy, a Cornell graduate and Ironman athlete, is driven by resilience, adventure, and a deep commitment to making an impact.
After overcoming severe depression, divorce, and the loss of his father, he’s rebuilt his life with a renewed focus on health,purpose, and inspiring his kids, Griffin and Clover.
Now, alongside three close friends, he’s preparing to row 2,800 miles across the Pacific to raise millions for NextStep Fitness, proving that even the toughest setbacks can fuel extraordinary comebacks.
John “Falcon Claw” Elston, a bestselling author, athlete, and global adventurer, has lived on five continents, competed in marathons, triathlons, and Ironman races, and even placed 4th at the 2023 U.S. Open Pickleball.
A former college football player and lifelong competitor, his training blends relentless physical work with cold plunges, saunas, and disciplined breathwork.
Motivated by his belief in doing hard things and controlling his own reality, John is embracing this Pacific row as the ultimate test of endurance, purpose, and legacy.
Brian Strahine, a Cornell graduate and former Peace Corps volunteer, has dedicated his life to education, men’s mental health, and the healing power of movement.
After overcoming years of debilitating panic attacks, he found balance through mindfulness, yoga, and somatic practices, which now inform his work as a psychotherapist and leader of a men’s wellness retreat in Charlotte, NC.
A lifelong athlete who has run 11 marathons, completed an Ironman, and cycled across America, Brian sees this Pacific row as both a physical challenge and a powerful expression of resilience and inner transformation.
Mohammad “Mo” Daulatana, a Bangladeshi-born U.S. citizen, discovered endurance sports later in life and has since completed multiple marathons, ultramarathons, and Ironman races.
With an MBA from the University of Miami and a career rooted in discipline and perseverance, he thrives on pushing past perceived limits to see what’s possible.
Now preparing for the World’s Toughest Row, Mo is driven by the belief that embracing the impossible can change lives—and his ultimate goal is to help others take their own NextStep.
Be a Row4NextStep ambassador — help us raise awareness that in the U.S., 6 million people live with paralysis, facing daily challenges that extend far beyond mobility, often without access to affordable, specialized rehabilitation and fitness.
With the right resources — research-based therapy, supportive communities, and accessible care — they can live healthier, fuller lives, making access a necessity, not a privilege.
Your support powers recovery with NextStep, providing rehabilitation, training, and hope for those living with paralysis. Together, we can create strength and independence.
