Last Stroke Counts

In this special episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down for a conversation with double Olympic medallist, triple World Champion and rowing titan - Alex Partridge.

Navigating through his accomplished career and experiences with some of the biggest names in rowing, Alex throws light on the dynamics of elite competition, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the fortitude it takes to overcome adversity & use it as fuel time and time again.

From rising to become a top athlete to facing the brutal setback of a devastating rib injury that cost him an Olympic run in 2004 and led to both his lungs collapsing, Alex's story is a true testament to his spirit and resilience.

We also spoke about life after rowing, touching upon challenges that athletes face post their career and how to deal with those struggles. Having transitioned into a life coach now, Alex is committed to helping others overcome adversity, provide guidance and inspire them to reach the highest peaks in sports, career, business or life.

So, tune in and join us for this journey with Alex Partridge, as we row through storms of life and sport, exploring what it takes to win, lose, and rise again - where every last stroke counts.

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION WITH ALEX

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ardua-performance-coaching/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: alexmpartridge

@alexmpartridge

@laststrokecounts

@rowgearuk

@thomasclark.gb

@piotrgggolawski

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're excited to host Emma Dyke, an accomplished rower from New Zealand. She’s a World Champion, Olympic Silver medalist, winner of the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta and has been a formidable force in the New Zealand, Rowing Team.

She’s elevated from competing as a junior to stroking New Zealand’s Women’s 8+ in Rio in 4 years. Starting her Olympic journey at just 21, Emma shares her experiences from competing in Rio and Tokyo and the World Championship campaigns leading up to these events. 

We discuss her training style, the ins and outs of rowing for New Zealand, the differences between the NZ and GB system, as well as the memorable moments from her career.

So, tune in and join us as we navigate through Emma's silver quest and explore the essence of Kiwi Rowing, where every last stroke counts.

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with a seasoned international cox, an Olympic Bronze medallist, multiple World & European Championship winner, and Coastal World Rowing Champion Henry Fieldman, currently leading the GB Women's 8+ into Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Henry candidly shares his experiences from his career, from winning U23 World Championship medal to being a Cambridge Blue, becoming a senior World Champion to trying to achieve a spot in the Rio Olympics to the journey that ultimately led to his medal-winning performance in Tokyo. 

As he sets his sights on Paris 2024, he reflects on the drive and determination that continue to propel him forward. Henry provides valuable insights into the atmosphere and dynamics of a top-level international rowing team and the crucial contributions that a coxswain adds to its success.

So, tune in and join us, as we explore the world of rowing from the cox's seat, shedding light on the persistence, leadership, and camaraderie that make every last stroke count.

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with an Olympic silver medallist, double Olympian, winner of the Youth Olympics, World Championship medallist, 9 times back-to-back Henley Royal Regatta winner, former Leander Club captain and a legend of the sport - Jack Beaumont.

Jack talks us through his rowing career, highlighting his training habits, mindset, and what it took to be a top competitor. He discusses always pushing levels above and breaking through any barriers, which is what allowed him to compete at every stage internationally and have an incredibly successful career.

He opens up about his major accident before the Rio Olympics, where he broke several bones in his spine and tore a hip muscle, providing us with insight into his inspiring recovery and his ultimate participation in the world's biggest sporting event all within a 12-month period.

We also explored the challenges that the GB Rowing Team faced between the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, where British athletes came home with seven 4th place finishes and what that was like from behind the scenes, as well as competing during a typhoon, pandemic and halfway across the world.

So, tune in, buckle up and join us for this special episode with Jack Beaumont, as we delve into his journey and explore the tales, the laughs, and the honest reflections from an Olympic medallist at the stage where every last stroke truly counts.

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we take a step back to reflect on our journey so far. After hosting 15 conversations and meeting some truly inspiring figures in the rowing world, we're taking this opportunity to share what we've learned and where we're heading next.

This episode is an introspective look back at our favourite moments, the surprises we've encountered, and the impactful stories we've heard from our guests, but also the viewers and listeners of the show. We’ve shared our thoughts about the episodes we’ve recorded so far, pointing out the nuances that made them special and the key takeaways we've learnt from our conversations.

We also discuss what it's been like running a podcast for the first time and our vision for the future. We'll be hinting at some of the exciting guests we've got lined up for the summer, including a few Olympians, and the changes we're looking to make based on our experience so far.

So, join us as we dive into Last Stroke Counts' past, present, and future, sharing our excitement for what's to come and the drive to keep making every last stroke count.

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with Rory Cruickshank, owner of the UK's leading rowing media company, AllMarkOne. Rory shares his journey from being a junior international cox, setting a BUCS course record with Oxford Brookes, to running an incredibly successful media business from the age of 15. 

As one of the UK's most influential and recognisable brands in rowing, Rory shares insights on the vision for AllMarkOne and what has made it successful thus far.

He takes us on a journey into how AllMarkOne innovated, overcame and adapted through difficulties to becoming an official partner to numerous large rowing events today. 

With unyielding determination and an excellent radar for opportunities, Rory embodies the competitive spirit of a true rower in the challenging world of business. In our conversation, we delve into the full spectrum of managing a media giant in the world of competitive sports. 

We talk about how to use lessons from your career and translate them into business, the importance of performance motivators for effective team management, as well as drawing many parallels between rowing, business, and entrepreneurship, plus the unique strategies that keep AllMarkOne well ahead of the curve.

So, tune in and join us for this great discussion, and gain an insider's perspective on the rowing industry from behind the lens, where every last stroke truly counts.

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're pleased to welcome the influential and seasoned figure in rowing, who’s coached and led multiple crews to numerous Henley Royal Regatta victories and international medals, Ben Lewis. He joins us to unpack the secrets of transforming pressure into success, both within rowing and life.

With his extensive experience as an athlete and coach at Britain's top clubs and organisations, including Leander, Oxford Brookes, Thames, and Molesey, Ben provides an insightful perspective on the power of mastering the basics in the sport of rowing.

Throughout our discussion, we delve deep into the nuances of creating a robust club culture, developing crews, and staying calm under pressure, drawing parallels with the military. The conversation is laden with Ben's brilliant advice, highlighting how to navigate stress and tilt the odds in your favour for success, a lesson applicable far beyond the boat.

Ben's humorous and inspiring anecdotes from his rowing journey, his outlook for the future of the sport, and his wisdom on coaching and winning in rowing add a unique flavour to the discussion.

So, tune in and buckle up for a chat with Ben Lewis as we explore the art of turning pressure into victory and making every last stroke count.

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're delighted to welcome back Leander Club’s former vice captain, multiple Henley Women’s and Henley Royal Regatta winner Susie Dear, for a deep dive into the magic of these prestigious events.

Drawing from her experience and many victories, Susie gives us an insider's look into the allure and atmosphere of the Henley races. She unpacks the tactics, strategies, and the often-overlooked nuances that make these regattas truly unique.

She also shares her top-tips as well as her personal and other hilarious stories, painting a vivid picture of what it's like to compete and win at Henley. We talk about everything from qualifiers, the draw, preparation & race-day execution, to the exhilarating feeling of crossing the finish line first. 

So, tune in and buckle up for this exciting episode as we navigate through the captivating currents of the river Thames, where every last stroke truly counts.

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we open the floor to your questions and delve into a range of topics central to the spirit of rowing. From the nuanced skill of coxing, the fulfilling journey to becoming a coach, to the heart-pounding thrill of our favourite races - no question is left unexplored.

As we relive unforgettable races, share light-hearted anecdotes and talk about our dream guests, we hope to inspire and motivate in equal measure.

In the spirit of resilience that is so inherent to this sport, we also discuss the importance of not giving up, even when the currents are against you. Through it all, our aim is to show that the journey of a rower, like the race itself, is an exercise in constant learning and growth.

So, tune in and join us for this candid discussion as we paddle through your questions, share our passion for the sport, and reaffirm why every last stroke truly counts.

In this epic episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're privileged to sit down with a titan of rowing, double Olympian, World Championship medallist, and Leander Club captain, John Collins. As a seasoned pillar of GB sculling, John offers a deeply introspective insight into the world of elite rowing, the pursuit of excellence, and the resilience it takes to overcome challenges at the highest level of the sport that often go unseen.

With an illustrious career spanning four Olympiads, a sustained presence in the GB Rowing Team and multiple Henley Royal Regatta victories, John's tales from the frontlines of Olympic rowing are not just inspiring, but also brimming with invaluable lessons for rowers at all levels. His journey is a compelling testament to the power of unwavering grit, relentless pursuit, and the indomitable spirit of a true Olympian.

This conversation delves deep into John's rowing philosophy, his unyielding drive to improve, and the hard lessons he’s learned in his incredible journey. From his steadfast iron mindset, unrelenting discipline, and thoughtful strategies, John opens up about the intricacies of becoming and remaining a top-level athlete.

So, tune in and join us as we paddle upstream with John Collins, on a journey of pursuit and resilience, unravelling what it truly means to be an Olympian and making every last stroke count.