Last Stroke Counts

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.

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Grab your copy of Drop The Struggle 👉 Amazon

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the mental aspect of rowing with a sports psychologist Dr. Alison Maitland, co-author of her latest book — ”Drop the Struggle." Dr. Maitland shares her journey into the world of rowing, unravelling why this sport offers a unique canvas for psychological exploration.

Drawing from her recent book, Dr. Maitland offers profound insights on how rowers can navigate the internal battles within their minds, align their actions with their core values, and strive to become the most optimised versions of themselves. She emphasizes the pivotal role of mental strategies not just in enhancing athletic performance but also in enriching life beyond the sport.

So, tune in & join us as we get an expert’s view on the role of psychology in rowing. This episode is for anyone looking to improve their mental game, offering strategies that will help you in making every last stroke count.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are thrilled to welcome back our beloved returning guest, The People's Champion, Dave Bell. Known for his remarkable rowing career and insightful perspectives, Dave shares his experiences and advice on life after rowing, preparing for the transition, and setting new challenges.

Dave delves into what rowers can do during their careers to better prepare for life post-sport. He covers important aspects like financial planning and developing transferable skills, providing valuable guidance for athletes navigating this significant change. The main focus of our conversation, however, centers around the elusive goal of breaking the 6-minute barrier for the 2k ergo test—a feat that symbolizes not just physical prowess but mental strength and determination.

We also explore how rowers can evaluate their position within a program, make informed decisions about their training environments, and personalize their training sessions for optimal results. Dave emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset in achieving goals that may initially seem beyond reach, offering insights that are applicable to rowers at all levels.

As always, it's a pleasure to have The People's Champion on the show, imparting wisdom and laughter in equal measure.

So, tune in & join us for an episode full of brilliant advice, as we explore the journey of breaking new barriers, both on the ergo and beyond, where every challenge and every last stroke truly counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we bring you a delightful roundtable panel of Brookes rowing legends Alex Partridge, Al Heathcote & Ben Lewis.

Alex and Al, who clinched silver together at the Beijing Olympics in the men's eight, reunite with Ben to share a treasure trove of hilarious stories from their illustrious rowing careers. Al Heathcote, currently the General Manager of Leander Club and a former member of the British Armed Forces, brings a unique perspective, comparing the disciplines of army training and competitive rowing.

The conversation shares many light-hearted insights, filled with hilarious anecdotes, reflections on the sport's evolution over two decades, and the essence of what makes rowing such a compelling and life-shaping sport. From tales of camaraderie and mental resilience to Al's humorous recounts of his multiple 'retirements' and Alex's memory of a rare victory over the dominant Deutschland Achter, the stories strike as smoothly as a ’mighty fine oar’.

So, tune in & join us as we delve into the fun side of rowing, where every last stroke truly counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the genesis of The Winning Cox (WOX) with 2 of its founding mentors, Morgan Baynham-Williams and Zoe de Toledo, both incredibly accomplished coxes and previous guests on our show.

Morgan and Zoe unravel the origin story of WOX, sharing their motivations for creating a platform dedicated to coxing excellence. They discuss the critical gap in training and development for coxes, a facet of rowing often overlooked yet very pivotal to a crew's success. Through their journey, we learn about what WOX offers and who it's designed for, bringing to light the nuances of improving coxes all around the world.

The conversation also touches upon common frustrations in coxing, exploring how coxes can be better integrated into squads and encouraged to develop their unique leadership styles. Morgan and Zoe, with their wealth of experience, dive into practical advice that extends beyond coxes to coaches & rowers globally, aiming to enhance understanding and performance across the board.

So tune in & join us as we navigate the intricacies of strategy, psychology, and leadership that make every last stroke count.

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Contact Anne for Henley Women's Regatta enquiries at: [email protected]

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are joined by Anne Buckingham, the beloved crew liaison of Henley Women's Regatta and an integral member of the Love Rowing charity. Anne, a familiar figure in the rowing community, shares her extensive experience and heartfelt dedication to the sport.

Anne takes us through the intricacies of planning a trip to the Henley Women's Regatta. She provides insider tips and advice for both local and international crews, shedding light on her role in making the regatta a more attractive and welcoming competition.

Anne emphasizes the significance of strong female role models in sports and reflects on the magnetic allure of rowing that keeps enthusiasts, like herself, deeply involved and passionate.

In addition, we touch upon Anne's impactful work with Love Rowing and discuss their initiatives to make the sport more accessible in traditionally non-rowing communities. 

Throughout our chat, we highlight the sport's incredible community spirit and the lifelong friendships it fosters.

So, tune in & join us as we uncover the joys and challenges of organizing one of rowing's most prestigious events and explore how the sport continues to captivate and bring people together in a world where every last stroke truly counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're excited to sit down with Tom Jost, the Director of Rowing at Claire's Court School. Known as Josty around the circuit, he's not just a respected figure in UK rowing, but also a brilliant coach whose guidance has led to Henley Royal Regatta victories for both boy's and girl's crews at Claire's Court in 2016 & 2022.

Tom shares his journey in the rowing world, competing for GB as a junior, and developing his unique coaching style. Tom consistently helps athletes develop through the ranks and adds speed to any crew that he leads. We dive deep into his diverse methods and approach to training, exploring how layering rowing techniques can effectively lead to remarkable success on the water.

From discussing biomechanics, force application and improving boat speed, Josty provides invaluable insights that he's garnered over his extensive career, where he’s coached many GB crews at international regattas but also athletes like Jack Beaumont and Phil Clapp.

Josty's infectious enthusiasm, deep knowledge, and positive approach to the sport make this episode a great listen. His anecdotes, coupled with humour & wisdom, provide a glimpse into what makes a great coach and how to nurture winning teams.

So, tune in & join us as we remind ourselves all that competitive rowing is not just about physical strength, but also about thinking outside the box, where every last stroke counts.

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In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with Steve O'Connor, the director of the River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames. Steve is at the forefront of transforming the institution, bringing a fresh wave of innovation and investment to the world’s largest rowing museum.

Steve shares with us the joys and challenges of running and managing a collection of 35,000+ rowing items. We delve into the creative process behind making it more appealing to the local community but also to interest repeat visitors and rowing enthusiasts from around the world.

We also touched upon the current events and new collections at the museum, particularly highlighting the excitement surrounding the Olympic year. Steve's approach to curating these exhibits helps showcase the full range of sport’s heritage making it worthwhile to visit year-round.

So tune in & join us as we explore yet another fascinating aspect of the rowing world and its history, where every last stroke counts.

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