A connecting rod includes a shank extending along a shank axis and a first end portion coupled to the shank. The first end portion has an annular shape. The connecting rod also includes a second end portion coupled to the shank. The second end portion has an annular shape. Each of the shank, the first end portion, and the second end portions includes a fiber-reinforced composite. The fiber-reinforced composite includes a matrix and a plurality of fibers embedded in the matrix. At least one of the shank fibers is elongated along the shank axis.