#FromTheSidelines USA rowing team member Dariush Aghai reaches up into the stands to grasp his father's hand to celebrate his silver medal in the Men's 8+ at the World Rowing Championships in Sarasota, Florida. For Dariush, the win is a testament to his perseverance and passion to the sport of rowing. In January of 2016, when he was in the middle of competing for a spot on the US Olympic team, he found himself unable to move due to muscular spasms and severe lower back pain. Doctors discovered he had two bulging discs, and one of them was torn. After receiving treatment and undergoing intense physical therapy, he was able to return to rowing at a competitive level once again. The U.S. men won the silver in the Men's 8+ in a time of 5:28.450. Germany won the gold in 5:25.850, and Italy won the bronze in 5:28.900. 📸 @cyndichamberssports ••• •• • #worldrowingchampionships #sculls #row #wrc2017 #dariushaghai @wrch2017 @rp3rowingusa @just_rowing @rowingnews @row_360 @row_360 @rowingrelated @rp3rowingusa @rowamerica @worldrowingofficial (at 2017 World Rowing Championships)