Tiffany Oh
May 26, 2026
Adapting to Harvard academics and athletics can be challenging, but some athletes have the built-in advantage of a twin to navigate it with. This special bond gives the athletes a unique experience during their time in Cambridge.
Read the full article at thecrimson.com
Harvard athletes often describe their teams as family. For some Crimson, this is actually true. Sharing the field, court, or water with a sibling is undoubtedly a special experience, but some athletes have a connection that goes even further. Harvard Athletics has multiple twins featured on its rosters, which proves to be a special advantage for them both as athletes and people.
Often described as an inseparable connection, the Crimson’s twins display a special dynamic that allows them to thrive not just in their sport, but at Harvard overall. Whether through inside jokes or a pep talk in the middle of a game, the familial relationship between these athletic duos has made their experience in Cambridge truly exceptional.
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Sailing: Justin and Mitchell Callahan
Justin and Mitchell Callahan, seniors on Harvard’s national championship sailing team, have had a great run these past four years. As twins, they have been through every step of not only the Harvard journey, but also every other journey together. Their bond, from the moment they were born, has given them a solid foundation as both brothers and teammates.
“I’ve always believed, since we were 10 years old, that Justin is the best sailor in the world,” Mitchell said. “I just feel grateful to have him as a twin and always be on my team. I would not want to be on the opposing team against Justin Callahan. So I’ll be grateful for that. Not only throughout college, but throughout my life as well.”
“I mean, Mitchell and I are best friends, and we’re pretty inseparable,” Justin said. “There’s nothing more special than competing alongside your twin, and then going to school with them on top of that is an even bigger bonus. So I guess next year will feel pretty different when we’re not seeing each other seven days a week like we have been for the past 22 years of our lives.”
Both on and off the water, Justin and Mitchell help one another excel. With their “unspoken jokes” and their shared sense of humor, the two always find a way to uplift each other, no matter the situation.
“No matter if we come off the water, having one of the best races of our life or one of the worst, we have our twin brother right there, and to make us laugh, to comfort us, to push us towards the next race,” Mitchell said.
The Callahan brothers have thrived at Harvard and on the Charles River, as both brothers have recorded impressive performances during their time on the sailing team.
“I think we have had probably the most incredible experience that you can ask for at Harvard and on the Harvard sailing team. So far, we’ve won five national championships together since our freshman year, being All-Americans together, and having the success that we’ve had has been truly special,” Justin said.
The Callahans’ accomplishments on the water are especially cherished because they have practiced sailing together since they were seven years old.
“The fact that we got to do it all together was really special,” Justin reflected. “It’s been such a journey.”