Mercer Island resident Chris Wales was in Oak Ridge, Tenn. last week for the 2012 U.S. Rowing Youth National Championships.

Wales, who rows with Seattle Rowing Center, earned a gold medal in the men’s single boat. He led the pack during the race on the six lane course, but held onto first place with a 7:32.104 time. A couple hours later he rowed with the men’s youth quad boat, which finished in 10th place overall.

Wales also won the 2011 championship in the men’s lightweight double boat. He will be a senior at Seattle Prep in the fall.