James Plihal

James Jacob Plihal (born 19 June 1996) is an American rower. At the 2023 Pan American Games, he won gold as a member of the mixed eight competition.

Early life and education
Plihal was born June 19, 1996. He graduated from Vashon High School in 2014, then from Northeastern University in 2018 with a degree in architectural studies.

Collegiate career
Plihal rowed competitively for Northeastern University. In 2015, he finished second in the varsity eight at the Eastern Sprints. He was nominated to the IRA All-American team three times and was named team captain in 2016.

National and international career
At the 2017 World Rowing U23 Championships, Plihal finished 14th in the quad sculls. He finished 18th at the same competition the following year. In 2020, he finished fourth in the double sculls at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. In 2022, he finished ninth in the double sculls at the World Rowing Cup II. At the 2023 Pan American Games, Plihal won gold as a member of the mixed eight competition, and silver in the men's single sculls.

Personal life
As of 2023, Plihal lives and trains in Craftsbury, Vermont.