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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're thrilled to sit down with Allan French, the current Chief Coach of the Oxford University Women's Boat Club and a renowned figure in British Rowing. Allan takes us through his unique journey from being a student rower at Brookes to being at the forefront of revolutionising the Oxford Women's program.

Allan delves into his coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of valuing athletes not just for their performance but as individuals. He shares insights on building a successful squad, fostering a culture of excellence, and the innovative strategies he's implemented to unlock new levels of speed and competitiveness.

Transitioning into his role at Oxford, Allan discusses the weight of expectations and his plans for steering OUBC into the future. He gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the tactical shifts and mental preparation that are part of shaping a top-tier rowing team.

So, tune in & join us for this enlightening episode with Allan French, as we uncover the layers of mentorship, coaching and personal growth in the world of competitive rowing, where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the remarkable journey of Rosie Popa, an Olympic Champion who won the Women’s Four event for Australia at the Tokyo Olympics and is currently enriching her academic prowess adding Oxford University to California Berkeley.

Rosie shares her philosophy on extracting the best from oneself, emphasizing the importance of deep introspection & using critical feedback as a catalyst for personal growth and peak performance. She opens up about the dynamics of teamwork, creating strong bonds with her crew whilst detailing how aligning your goals with those of your teammates leads to collective success.

We also chat about Rosie’s transition from the adrenaline of elite sports to broader life pursuits, offering insights into finding balance and new passions post-Olympics. Her perspective on life as a student and athlete provides a compelling narrative for those striving to excel in and after their career.

So, tune in & join us for inspiration & advice on getting the most out of top-level sport and personal development, while making every last stroke count along the way.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with the President of the Oxford University Boat Club Ella Stadler. 

Ella offers an inside look into her journey from being a novice college rower to taking up the leadership role, managing the challenges and expectations of one of the world's most distinguished rowing institutions.

Ella discusses the recent integration of Oxford's men's and women's squads under her presidency, a move aimed at strengthening the club’s competitive edge against longstanding rival Cambridge. She shares insights on the meticulous process of selecting the right coach to foster this new unified system and ultimately revitalise the team’s performance.

Reflecting on the intense spotlight of The Boat Race and media attention, Ella talks about the pressures and privileges of her role. She outlines her ambitious vision for the club’s future, emphasising a culture that attracts top talent and nurtures them not just as rowers, but as individuals poised to excel beyond university waters.

So, tune in & join us as we explore the nuances of leadership, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence at Oxford, where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we continue our discussion with double Olympic medallist Rick Egington. 

Rick shares the intricacies of developing a formidable Olympic mindset, reflecting on his illustrious career from the thrill of his first Olympic Games in Beijing to the intense atmosphere of London 2012.

Rick delves into the psychological resilience required at the Olympic level, the crucial role of accountability, and the personal introspection that guided his career choices and training regimes. He provides candid insights into the pressures of Olympic racing, the camaraderie of training camps, and the critical moments that defined his path.

Additionally, Rick talks about his transition from athlete to coach, imparting wisdom on nurturing the next generation and the evolution of rowing over the years.

So tune in & join us as we embark a journey of mental strength and determination, offering insights on triumphs, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of excellence at the stage where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the rowing journey of double Olympian and multiple World Champion, Rick Egington. In Part 1, Rick shares the pivotal moments and lessons learned on his path to Olympic glory, beginning with his early days and leading up to his memorable races in Beijing and London.

Rick gives us a candid look into the discipline and perseverance required to excel at the highest levels of rowing. He reflects on the pressures of competition, the camaraderie among teammates, and the personal growth that comes from pursuing Olympic dreams.

Additionally, Rick discusses the critical aspects of taking responsibility for one's training and the importance of looking inward for answers first. His stories are not just about victories and medals but also about overcoming setbacks and the humorous, hilarious moments that define a sporting career.

So tune in & join us as we discuss what it takes to forge an Olympic path as well as the essence of competitive rowing where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we explore the world of club rowing with Stuart Heap, the chief coach of London Rowing Club. Stuart shares his journey from being an athlete to being in charge, detailing the shifts and leadership decisions that have revitalised London Rowing Club.

Under his guidance, London RC has overcome the longstanding dominance of rival clubs, marking a new era at the club and in the competition. Stuart opens up about the critical changes implemented under his tenure, the cultural impact on the team, and his vision for the club’s future.

We dive into some of the nuances of the two rowing races that are pivotal to the club's annual strategy but seldom receive the spotlight they deserve.

So, tune in & join us as we uncover and explore the club rowing scene, where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are joined by Seb Devereux, a former U23 World Champion, multiple Henley Royal Regatta victor, and a prominent member of the GB Rowing Team. Seb shares his journey through the world of competitive rowing, from the serene waters of Marlow, through Leander Club to now the vigorous currents of international championships.

Throughout our conversation, Seb dives into the strategies that have shaped his career, the setbacks that have tested his resolve, and the successes that have defined his journey. He gives us an inside look at his decision-making process, from switching universities to chasing Olympic dreams, and discusses the critical role of embracing a process-driven approach in achieving rowing excellence.

Seb also recounts his experiences racing against legends like Mahe Drysdale, overcoming injuries, and the intense preparations for the upcoming Paris Olympics. His insights extend beyond the oars and ergometers, offering valuable lessons on resilience and mental toughness.

So, tune in & join us as we paddle through the highs and lows of Seb’s illustrious rowing career, uncovering the preparation and spirit required to excel at the highest levels of this demanding sport, where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we dive into the world of rowing innovations and performance with Milosz Wrobel and Gosia Bieniek from Cambridge's Light Blue Clinic.

Milosz and Gosia share their extensive background in sports science, conditioning and osteopathy, revealing how their passion for sport led them to establish a clinic dedicated to improving the health and performance of athletes through the means of cryo and physical therapy. They discuss the groundbreaking benefits of cryotherapy for recovery, and injury prevention plus how it can significantly enhance a rower's performance on the water due to better technical ability through enhanced mobility.

The conversation further explores strength and conditioning strategies tailored for rowers, focusing on preventing common injuries, particularly back issues, that many rowers face. Milosz, an osteopath for the Cambridge University Boat Club, breaks down the essentials of stretching, conditioning & mobility training and tells us which muscle group prove to be problematic and commonly occurring for rowers.

So, tune in & join us as we uncover the secrets behind staying injury-free, improving performance through cryotherapy, and the science-backed training methods that could very well be the secret weapon for achieving free speed. Milosz and Gosia from Light Blue Clinic provide a masterclass in rowing wellness and performance, offering valuable knowledge for rowers at all levels - where every last stroke counts.

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In this special anniversary episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're privileged to host an in-depth debrief of The Boat Race 2024, featuring none other than Imogen Grant and Erin Kennedy. Both are flagship members of the GB Rowing Team and bring their unique perspectives as past competitors and alumni of Cambridge and Oxford, respectively.

As we dissect this year’s event, we chat about the key moments from the races, including the buildup, the drama, controversies, behind-the-scenes and the nitty-gritty details that only those who’ve been in the thick of it can offer. This year has shown us plenty of that, specifically with Oxford undergoing many internal changes, rebuilding their system and Cambridge looking to maintain their victorious streak.

Imogen and Erin discuss what sets Oxford and Cambridge apart, how that played out on the water, and what both teams can do to improve. We also mention the anticipation of Olympians joining the fray in the coming year. 

So, tune in & join us for an incredible panel with Imogen Grant and Erin Kennedy, as we offer a Last Stroke Counts exclusive that shines a light on one of rowing’s biggest events, where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are honoured to have Sarah Winckless MBE, a figure whose contributions to rowing span from athletic prowess to distinguished roles in Olympic Associations, umpiring, commentating and anti-doping. As a double World Champion, triple Olympian, and Olympic Bronze Medallist, Sarah brings a wealth of experience and insight into the sport.

Sarah delves into this year's Boat Race, offering her unique perspective on what lies ahead for the teams and we discuss how they can build on previous performances. Her role as an umpire for The Boat Race gives her a unique vantage point, and she shares the intricacies of umpiring, discussing the rules and challenges that come with the position.

The conversation also navigates through her impactful work with the UK Anti-Doping Agency, highlighting the importance of clean competition and sharing preventative measures for rowing. Sarah's insights into possible supplementation provide a guide for athletes navigating the fine line of performance enhancement within the rules.

Moreover, we reminisce with Sarah about the magical races at Henley Royal Regatta and share her excitement and anticipation for this year's event from her viewpoint. Her passion for the sport and dedication to its integrity and future shine through in every topic discussed.

So, tune in & join us as we explore the multifaceted sport of rowing from the lens of an Olympian, umpire, anti-doping advocate, and commentator in a world where every last stroke counts.

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