Taryn Smith Becomes First Woman to Solo Row Atlantic

Quick Smiles:

• Taryn Smith rowed 3,000 miles solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
• She became the first female to complete the World’s Toughest Row alone.
• Her journey raised funds for Girls on the Run and inspired many.

Taryn Smith grew up dreaming of the ocean from landlocked Nebraska. Inspired by a world-record rowing team, she set out to challenge herself and joined the World’s Toughest Row: a solo 3,000-mile race from the Canary Islands to Antigua.

With courage and determination, Taryn trained for three years, learning to thrive on the open water and overcoming countless obstacles along the way. She rowed alone for up to 12 hours each day, battling fatigue, storms, and even close encounters with wildlife.

“Taryn seems to know no fear,” said Shelly Smith, Taryn’s mother. “She has always been a kid that thrives on adventure. She just really likes that challenge.”

One of the most difficult days brought towering waves and exhaustion, but Taryn remained resilient, choosing to row on and embrace the adventure.

“It’s been a really hard day, but I am really proud of the effort that I put in today because it’s been a fast day and I’ve covered a lot of ground and I kept rowing and now it’s more comfortable to row than it is to try to sleep,” Taryn shared.

She partnered with Girls on the Run during her journey, supporting programs that empower and inspire young girls.

On January 29th, Taryn reached Antigua, finishing in just 46 days and making history. Her remarkable journey reminded everyone of the power of perseverance and the rewards found in facing big dreams.

“Everything is more within reach than we think,” Taryn shared. “I hope people understand that you should take on your biggest challenges, even if it means being alone. Even if it’s scary. You can do it—and you probably won’t be alone for very long.”

Taryn’s achievement is proof that resilience, optimism, and grit can help turn even the boldest dreams into reality. Share her story to inspire others!

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