Join us as we dive into the captivating world of rowing and business where we discuss and showcase links between the two. We chat with athletes, coaches and former rowers who share their personal experiences, expert advice, and hard-earned wisdom. Whether you're a seasoned rower or just curious about the sport, we'll keep you captivated as we explore the challenges, triumphs, and stories that make rowing such an incredible sport and discuss how they translate into life after the sport. Give us a listen, and immerse yourself in a world where every stroke truly counts.
We sat down with the Director of Rowing at Radley College and double Olympian who has been leading the programme of a hugely successful schoolboy rowing team for a decade - Sam Townsend. Radley has most recently won the National Schools Regatta after 25 years of gold drought. We discussed the nature of multifaceted challenges that come with running a squad of 150+ athletes and how to prepare them for a life outside of rowing, too.
We sat down with a double Olympian and silver medallist from the Tokyo Games in GB's first ever quad sculling medal at the Olympics to discuss the journey through the sport, why having fun daily actually makes you go way faster than taking everything too seriously, the power of consistency and staying on the program, winning a bronze medal at senior world championships in the single sculls and starting a business to try and help rowers prevent and manage injuries so that they can enjoy the sport to the fullest.
We caught up with Ben Hunt-Davis ahead of the newest release of his new book "Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?" and to explore his rowing story of competing across three Olympic Games to ultimately winning a gold medal in Sydney 2000 Olympics with the GB Men's Eight. We also touched upon Ben's work in the world of business consulting and his role as a Steward for Henley Royal Regatta.You can order the book using one of the links belowWaterstones --- https://www.waterstones.com/book/will-it-make-the-boat-go-faster/ben-hunt-davis/harriet-beveridge/9781529147605Amazon --- https://amzn.eu/d/08CgNCsaAuthor website --- https://willitmaketheboatgofaster.com/book/
We sat down with the owner of TG Gym & Wellness, Olympian & multiple World Champion Toby Garbett to find out his rowing story, what it was like competing at the Athens 2004 Olympics, how Toby became a community gym owner and accidentally ended up representing New Zealand in world coastal rowing championships.
Catch our chat with Ben who is a former GB & Leander lightweight, international coach and now delivers consulting, performance & psychology workshops in the medical industry. We've explored what psychological ingredients induce consistent performance.
Catch our chat from last summer with Olympian Matt Brittin delving into his career in sports as well as business, exploring what made him incredibly successful in all domains and sharing the lessons of leading, nurturing and inducing high performance in teams (sports & business). Matt is now the new head of BBC and former chief of Google.
Catch our chat from last summer with Ben Gallagher, who's served in the UK Armed Forces for 16 years and is now a World Champion representing GB in Rowing.
Discussing the events of the 2026 Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race
Talking through dangers of ignoring your limits in endurance sports.
We caught up with the man behind Feather'n'Square Miles Beeson earlier this year to find out what it's like training for gold in the senior GB squad whilst building a successful brand in rowing. Tune in for great insights on entrepreneurship and being a world-class athlete.Get The Rowers Hand Care Kit and help support Miles on his journey to the LA2028 Olympics
In this episode we sit down with Gosia Bieniek from Light Blue Clinic & Susie Dear former GB rower in a panel to discuss how nutrition and training around the menstrual cycle can aid the performance.Light Blue Clinic has just released a course for individuals and organisations to make the most of the information provided here and below. View the courses here: https://www.lightblue.clinic/challengesAbout Gosia: Gosia Bieniek is a Sports Performance Director and co-owner of a first cryotherapy centre called Light Blue Clinic based in Cambridge, UK. Her work focuses on female athletes, training according to menstrual cycle and screening for LEA (Low Energy Availability) and RED-S. She is a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Cambridge University Boat Club (men's side) and coaches a variety of individual clients including female master rowers. Gosia holds an MSc in Strength and Conditioning and BSc in Sport and Exercises Science plus various soft tissue and sports massage qualifications. She gained her clinical experience working at Spire Lea Hospital in Cambridge with BUPA as a health advisor. About Susie:Susie's story began back in 2012 at Oxford Brookes University, where she first learnt to row. Over the next 10 years, she went on to row with Sydney Rowing Club, Leander Club, and ultimately trained and raced with the British Rowing Team. Along the way, she had some incredible experiences, including winning a bronze medal at World Cup III and becoming a two-time Henley Royal Regatta winner. During the 2021–2022 season, Susie struggled with RED-s while training full time with the British Team (which ultimately contributed to her retirement from the sport in 2024). This challenging period opened her eyes to the importance of athlete welfare and health. Since retiring from rowing and becoming a mum, she has been dedicated to supporting the welfare needs of athletes. Susie works at Oxford Brookes University, where she provides care for student-athletes in distress. About the course:Female athletes are more prone to develop a complicated relationship with food due to the unrealistic expectations of social media, society or peer pressure. Therefore, it is essential to equip athletes with various tools that would help with early detection of undereating. It's also advisable to pay an extra attention to young athletes who are going through growth development and light weight rowers who must train with a significantly lower energy intake than open weight. Low energy availability (LEA) and relative energy deficiency in sports can impact both genders, however the sole purpose of this course is to focus on female physiology.LEA and RED-s courses for female rowers are a comprehensive guide to an early management and detection of disordered eating which can be detrimental for health. Both courses have been designed for parents, coaches, athletes or organisations who are serious about finding out more about preventative measurements or solutions to aid with an early detection of LEA or RED-S.The material covers all of the essential subjects linked with eating habits and training's energy demands. Every module contains a video, slide and a description, additionally at the bottom of the course users can find documents and other resources to download. There are two different courses to chose from one is for individuals and the second one for organisations like sports clubs or universities.
A Chat with the new Chair of Henley Royal Regatta at the Regatta HQ just ahead of the 2025 Event, listen to the backstory of Richard, his experiences at Cambridge, umpiring, becoming a HRR Steward to now becoming Chair. Episode is packed full of interesting, technical anecdotes & insights plus updates on what's to come in the future. Enjoy!
Catch up with the Sinkovic Brothers in Zagreb talking about their career, success, winning three Olympic games, how to make every boat go fast, plans for the future and many more exclusive insights!
Fascinating chat with former GB Rower Sam outlining his rowing model, career, journey of trying to qualify for the Olympics in the lightweight double plus many more interesting insights and exclusive rowing tips.
Hear the incredible story of Emily Craig who has won a gold medal in the lightweight double sculls in Paris and became the forever Olympic Champion
We caught up with Cedol to discuss his rapid rise to the top of the sport and first experiences in the GB rowing team.
Discussing the events of The 2025 Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy WOX a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we take a moment to celebrate reaching over 1500 subscribers! Join us in our brand new podcast studio, as we break down our episodes so far, sorting them by themes and offering first-hand recommendations suited for all our listeners. This episode serves as an excellent starting point for new listeners and a nostalgic trip for our long-time followers. We reflect on the voyage of hosting this podcast, sharing insights into what it has brought us and where we hope to steer in the future, and also giving you a sneak peek into the exciting guests we have lined up very soon. So, whether you're on your erg, in your boat, or relaxing at home - tune in & join us as we celebrate this milestone on a journey, where every last stroke counts. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @laststrokecounts @rowgearuk @thomasclark.gb @piotrgggolawski
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
☕️ Buy us a coffee
Buy us a coffee ☕️ Support on Patreon
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into a groundbreaking topic with the co-owner of Light Blue Clinic, Strength & Conditioning coach for the Cambridge University Boat Club men's squad, and an expert in female physiology Gosia Bieniek. Gosia shares her insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the female body's response to training, particularly concerning the menstrual cycle. With a blend of science and practical advice, she explains how to tailor training programs to harness the physiological changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, offering strategies for athletes and coaches to gain a competitive edge. Her work with CUBC women has put the spotlight on this critical area of sports science, making it clear that understanding and leveraging these natural cycles can lead to remarkable improvements in performance. With the topic of free speed always being at the forefront of looking for advantages, such information is certainly not something to overlook or skip over. This episode is not just for athletes and coaches but for anyone interested in maximizing female athletic performance and breaking the taboo around menstrual health in sports. So tune in & join us for a fascinating discussion that could change the way female athletes train and compete, emphasizing the power of physiology-informed smart training strategies to harness their full potential and gain an edge that will make every last stroke truly count. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @lightblue.clinic @mobility.pl @laststrokecounts @rowgearuk @thomasclark.gb @piotrgggolawski
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're thrilled to sit down with Ross Hunter, the Chief Women's Coach at Leander Club, renowned for his remarkable philosophy and track record. He brings to the table a wealth of rowing wisdom, an unparalleled understanding of the rowing stroke, and a long list of athletes he's helped elevate into the GB Rowing Team. Ross, who modestly plays down his achievements as an athlete, shines as a beacon of knowledge in the coaching realm. His unique perspective on athlete development and rowing mechanics offers listeners an unmissable masterclass in coaching excellence. Ross delves into the nuances of technique, shares insights on athlete management, and reveals the principles behind building successful squads and how that differs for men and women. We also talked about and discussed why athletes quit too early, why they don't enjoy the sport and how we can make the sport more engaging to those looking to go the distance. We also touched upon what coaches should aim to do to get the best out of their athletes. So tune in & join us as we uncover the coaching mind of Ross Hunter, exploring his philosophy, keys to his athletes' success and tips on making every last stroke count. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @rossyhunter1 @laststrokecounts @rowgearuk @thomasclark.gb @piotrgggolawski
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the world of sports and business with Humphrey Cobbold, the CEO of PureGym, the largest and most successful gym chain in the UK. Humphrey shares insights into the transferable skills between sports and business, emphasising leadership, team dynamics, and the innovative mindset that has propelled PureGym to the forefront of the fitness scene. We discuss the importance of and give tips for maintaining a healthy mind, fostering & developing strong teams, as well as implementing effective systems and processes to grow and scale. Furthermore, Humphrey gives insights into sustaining growth, driving innovation, and staying ahead of the competition, drawing parallels to maintaining a competitive edge both on the water and in the marketplace. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, strategy, and perseverance. Whether you're a rower or someone passionate about business, Humphrey's insights offer valuable lessons on achieving success in any area. So, tune in & join us, as we present you with wisdom and stories that inspire excellence and innovation at every turn, both in business, in the gym, and in the boat, where every last stroke counts. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @laststrokecounts @rowgearuk @thomasclark.gb @piotrgggolawski
Grab your copy of Drop The Struggle
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we bring you the 2nd part of our chat with Martin Cross. We continue our deep dive into the illustrious career of an Olympic champion and the renowned voice of rowing. Martin shares the latter half of his journey, from competing in his third and fourth Olympics to his seamless transition into the world of commentating. Reflecting on the evolution of rowing, Martin offers unparalleled insights into the shifts and transformations the sport has experienced, from its days of amateur glory to its current professional stature. He discusses the challenges he faced moving away from competitive rowing, the struggles of finding a new identity post-retirement, and how he found his calling behind the microphone, becoming the voice that has narrated some of rowing's most thrilling moments. Moreover, Martin touches upon the recent pressures faced by the sport from the International Olympic Committee and World Rowing's response to these demands. His perspective sheds light on the delicate line between tradition and innovation in rowing, offering listeners an insider's view on what the future holds for our beloved sport. So, tune in & join us as we explore the continuation of Martin's incredible story in rowing, both on and off the water, where every last stroke counts. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @martincross @laststrokecounts @rowgearuk @thomasclark.gb @piotrgggolawski
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are honoured to host a true rowing luminary, Martin Cross, a quadruple Olympian, Olympic Champion, and the esteemed voice of World Rowing. Martin, with his iconic voice, has been at the heart of rowing commentary, bringing races to life for fans around the globe. His journey through the sport offers a unique window into the evolution of rowing over the past five decades. Martin takes us back to the beginning, sharing how he first dipped his oars into the waters of rowing and what the landscape of the sport looked like in the 70s and 80s. He recounts his experiences with vivid detail, from the tense atmosphere of the Moscow Olympics, marred by boycotts, to the triumphant gold medal win at the Los Angeles Olympics alongside Steve Redgrave, under the guidance of the legendary coach Mike Spracklen. Through Martin's eyes, we witness the pivotal moments and the significant changes within British Rowing, leading to the formation of a national squad that would go on to dominate the world stage. His narratives not only capture the essence of his Olympic voyages but also paint a picture of the sport's growth, evolution and the challenges faced along the way. So, tune in & join us as we embark on a journey through rowing history with one of the sport's most iconic figures. This episode is a treasure of insights, anecdotes, and reflections from a man who has not only achieved the pinnacle of Olympic success but has also dedicated his life to promoting and sharing his love for rowing, where every last stroke counts. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @martincross @laststrokecounts @rowgearuk @thomasclark.gb @piotrgggolawski
© 2020-2026 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
