Later that year, he again represented the United States in the World Rowing Championships, where his four-man boat (4+) finished second.

Although quite upset at the time, Sudduth later acknowledged that this incident helped him gain focus on both his academic and athletic life.

At the 1984 Summer Olympics, Sudduth was part of the United States men's eight which finished second to Canada.

Sudduth led the race by half a length (approximately one second) over the three-time Olympic champion Pertti Karppinen with 200 meters to go.

Trailing well back in third place was the five-time world champion and three-time Olympic Silver medalist Peter-Michael Kolbe.