Last Stroke Counts

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are joined by Seb Benzecry, the president of Cambridge University Boat Club and a three-time Boat Race champion. We delve into his rowing journey, from his early days at St Paul's School & GB Junior vests to rowing at Princeton & his triumphs at Cambridge.

Throughout our chat, Seb shares insights into the leadership styles of his influential coaches, Bobby Thatcher and Rob Baker, discussing the strategic decisions that have shaped their approach to leading successful teams. He reflects on the challenges and successes of his presidency, particularly during the period of intense competition and the recent victory that positioned Cambridge as an underdog turned champion.

We also talk about this year’s hit —  "Turning The Tide”, a documentary by ROW360, capturing the essence of the Boat Race and Seb’s involvement in it. Furthermore, we touch upon Seb’s final campaign down the Henley track, encapsulating his time with the Light Blues with a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking perspectives.

So, tune in & join us as we unpack the nuances of building a cohesive team and tight unit, overcoming setbacks, and the relentless pursuit of rowing excellence in a race where every last stroke truly counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with two remarkable WOX mentors - Olympian Matilda Horn and U23 Medalist Autumn Mantell, both of whom have made significant contributions as Cambridge University's Women's Assistant Coaches.

Matilda and Autumn share their journey with WOX, providing insights into the team's recent activities, future aspirations, and plans for the rest of the summer season. They discuss how to develop next level coxing skills, overcome challenges, handle tricky situations, and manage crew dynamics as well as rotations. With a lot of practical examples, they offer invaluable advice on conflict resolution, effective communication, and asserting leadership in any crew setting.

We also delve into the massively positive impact of WOX's course walks and webinars, with a sneak peek of upcoming initiatives. Our chat also covers the challenges of providing a free, educational platform and the importance of community support to keep such ventures thriving.

Lastly, Matilda and Autumn give us an inside look at the bold and strategic coxing seen in recent Cambridge Boat Races against Oxford, discussing how the right environment fosters the confidence much needed for success.

So tune in & join us for an educational, entertaining, and insightful episode filled with tips, reflections, and plenty of laughs. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to take their coxing skills to the next level, where every last stroke counts!

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with the foundation director of Love Rowing charity, Rebecca Gibson. Despite not being a rower herself, Rebecca shares how she got involved with the rowing charity and how her extensive experience in other sports translates seamlessly into the world of rowing.

Rebecca discusses the initiatives that Love Rowing has carried out, including the innovative Row The Rhythm and their upcoming Big Row event in September. She offers insights into the challenges faced by the charity and the unique ways they are tackling them, as well as the exciting future plans for Love Rowing.

We delve into how rowing can benefit from approaches commonly found in other Olympic disciplines and explore the incredible impact of the charity's work on communities not typically exposed to rowing.

So, tune in & join us as we explore the inspiring work of Love Rowing and the dedication to making rowing accessible to all, and making every last stroke count.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are thrilled to host the triple Olympic gold medallist and a titan of rowing, Andrew Triggs Hodge. Andrew takes us on a journey from his first strokes in rowing to standing atop the Olympic podium, and now to his influential role with London Youth Rowing.

Andrew shares the intense commitment, strategic mindset, and relentless drive that propelled him to the peak of Olympic rowing for more than a decade. He recounts vivid tales from the dramatic finals of Beijing and winning The Boat Race for Oxford, shedding light on the physical and mental fortitude required to clinch gold under immense pressure giving us exclusive tips never heard before.

The discussion then shifts to Andrew's passion for making rowing accessible and enjoyable for young people through his work with London Youth Rowing. He believes in using the sport as a tool for personal development and community building, far beyond the competitive aspects.

So, tune in & join us as we dig deep with Andrew Triggs Hodge and reveal the depths of elite rowing and his ongoing mission to inspire the next generation. Andrew’s mental strength is a compelling narrative of overcoming challenges, setting benchmarks, and giving back, resonating with everyone who believes in the transformative power of sports, where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we dive into the world of sports commentary with the Olympic commentator Robert Treharne Jones, also known as the Voice of Rowing. With a career spanning over four decades, Robert has been the definitive voice at the last four Olympic Games and countless international events, bringing the excitement of rowing to millions.

Robert shares the intricacies of sports broadcasting, revealing what it takes to captivate an audience with just a voice. He delves into the skills necessary to keep listeners on the edge of their seats, from the technical nuances of rowing to the dramatic storytelling that makes each race come alive. He also opens up about the evolution of commentary over the years and how he has adapted to the changing landscape of sports media.

Listeners will get a rare glimpse into the three ”N’s” of commentary that Robert swears by, and hear hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from his career as he takes us through nerve-wracking moments as well as the thrill of calling gold medal races. He also lays out a path for anybody interested in sports commentary to follow. Whether you're a rowing enthusiast, aspiring commentator, or just love a good sports story, this episode is not to be missed. 

So, tune in & join us as we explore the art and science of bringing rowing's most exciting moments to life with Robert Treharne Jones, sharing his experience, passion and dedication from behind the microphone to calling rowing’s closest finishes, where every last stroke truly counts.

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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.

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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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