What does it take to build one of the world's most successful school rowing programs?

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn sits down with Bobby Thatcher, Head of Rowing at St Paul's School in London, to explore the philosophy that has produced multiple Henley Royal Regatta victories, generations of international athletes, and a coaching culture centred on curiosity, ownership and continuous improvement.

Bobby shares the technical principles behind fast boats, the importance of athlete buy-in, how data supports, but never replaces feel, and the profound personal experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy. From racing at the Atlanta Olympics to missing selection for Sydney 2000, this is an honest conversation about resilience, leadership and why great coaching is about developing people as much as producing results.

Who is Bobby Thatcher?

Bobby Thatcher is one of the most respected school rowing coaches in the world.

As Head of Rowing at St Paul's School (London) for the past 15 years, Bobby has transformed the program into one of Britain's most successful schoolboy rowing programs, winning multiple Henley Royal Regatta titles while consistently producing athletes who progress to Great Britain and leading university rowing programs.

Before joining St Paul's, Bobby spent six years developing the rowing program at Latymer School. As an athlete, he represented Great Britain at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in the double scull alongside James Cracknell, competed at the 1999 World Championships, and was coached by the legendary Harry Mahon, whose influence continues to shape Bobby's coaching philosophy today.

Why This Conversation is important

1. Great Programs Are Built on Culture, Not Just Winning

Bobby explains that every crew is different. Success doesn't come from repeating last year's formula—it comes from understanding the personalities, strengths and motivations of each new group of athletes.

His message is clear: sustained success is built through relationships, trust and culture.

2. Coaching Is About Creating Ownership

Rather than simply instructing athletes, Bobby believes the best coaches help athletes understand why they row the way they do.

By creating genuine ownership and encouraging athletes to solve problems together, crews become more connected, more resilient and ultimately faster.

3. Technical Excellence Is About Protecting Boat Speed

Throughout the conversation Bobby repeatedly returns to one simple principle:

Don't damage the boat.

From Harry Mahon's influence through to modern biomechanics and telemetry, Bobby explains why the fastest crews move efficiently, stay relaxed and maintain rhythm rather than forcing the boat through the water.

4. Failure Can Become Your Greatest Teacher

One of the most powerful moments of the episode is Bobby's honest reflection on missing selection for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Rather than defining him negatively, that experience shaped the compassionate, transparent and athlete-centred coach he became.

His story reminds us that setbacks often become the foundation of great leadership.

5. Rowing Builds Better People

Beyond medals and trophies, Bobby believes rowing teaches resilience, delayed gratification, teamwork and self-awareness.

His measure of success isn't simply winning Henley—it's seeing former athletes continue rowing, thriving at university and becoming better people.

You Can Quote Us On That

"Don't damage the boat."

"Every crew has a different personality."

"The best coach is yourself."

"Kids should row because they love rowing."

"Winning is never guaranteed."

"The process has to be fair."

"You don't build great programs on your own."

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest: Bobby Thatcher

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

What separates Olympic champions from the rest of the field?

According to Alex Hill OAM, it isn't bigger erg scores or harder training, it is clarity.

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Olympic Gold Medallist Alex Hill OAM joins Drew Ginn OAM for an insightful conversation about three Olympic campaigns, the lessons learned from winning and losing, and why Australia's success in Tokyo was built on a simple philosophy: know exactly how you want to row.

From growing up on the Murray River to winning Olympic Gold in Tokyo, Alex reflects on the coaches who shaped him, the evolution of Australian rowing, the pursuit of technical excellence, and why he's still chasing improvement after three Olympic Games.

Whether you're an athlete, coach or rowing enthusiast, this conversation offers an honest look inside the mindset of one of Australia's most accomplished sweep rowers.

Who is Alex Hill?

Alex Hill OAM is one of Australia's most accomplished sweep rowers.

An Olympic Gold Medallist in the Men's Four at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Olympic Silver Medallist from Rio 2016, World Champion and multiple World Cup winner, Alex has represented Australia across three Olympic Games and has become a cornerstone of the Australian Men's Sweep Team.

Growing up in South Australia's Riverland before attending Prince Alfred College, Alex progressed through junior and Under 23 rowing to become one of Australia's most respected athletes. Today he continues his international career racing in the Men's Pair alongside fellow Adelaide Rowing Club member Angus Dawson while mentoring the next generation of Australian rowers.

Why This Conversation Matters

1. Olympic Success Is Built on Clarity

Alex shares one of the most compelling insights of the episode: Tokyo wasn't won because Australia trained harder, it was won because everyone knew exactly how they wanted to row.

The squad shared one technical philosophy, allowing athletes to move seamlessly between crews while maintaining speed and consistency.

2. Great Coaches Teach Principles, Not Just Technique

Throughout his career Alex worked with Johnny Driessen, Tim Conrad, Chris O'Brien and Ian Wright.

Despite their different personalities, each reinforced the same fundamental lesson:

Move the boat further on every stroke.

It's a reminder that great coaching focuses on timeless principles rather than constant technical change.

3. Failure Can Become the Foundation for Success

Alex openly reflects on the disappointment of Paris and contrasts it with Tokyo.

Rather than blaming fitness or effort, he believes the Australian squad gradually lost clarity around its identity and rowing style.

It's an honest discussion about how elite teams recover, learn and rebuild.

4. Olympic Finals Are Won Before Race Day

When asked what he thinks about on an Olympic start line, Alex's answer is surprisingly simple:

Stay calm.

Trust the work.

Trust the process.

Years of preparation allow athletes to treat the Olympic Final as simply another opportunity to execute.

5. Rowing Is About Continuous Learning

Even after three Olympic Games, Alex still sees himself as a student of the sport.

Whether coaching beginners, racing a pair, or learning from teammates and coaches, he believes improvement comes from remaining curious and coachable.

You Can Quote Us On That

"Trust the work. Trust the process."

"Don't let the boat slow down."

"Everyone has big ergs. The difference is how far you move the boat."

"I still feel like I've got more to give."

"The day I stop enjoying it is probably the day I retire."

Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM

Guest: Alex Hill OAM

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

From being cut from the US National Team to becoming a World Champion.

Teal Cohen's story is one of resilience, belief and relentless consistency.

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Teal shares how one phone call changed her mindset, why consistency beats intensity, and how the USA Women's Four rebuilt itself into World Champions.

An inspiring conversation for athletes, coaches, leaders and anyone striving to improve.

Who is Teal Cohen OLY?

Teal Cohen is one of the rising stars of USA Rowing and a member of the 2025 World Championship-winning Women's Four. A Paris 2024 Olympian in the Women's Quadruple Scull and NCAA Champion with the University of Washington, Teal has become known for her resilience, relentless work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.

After the disappointment of the Paris Olympic Games, she rebuilt her confidence, transformed her physical performance and helped lead the United States back to the top of the world in sweep rowing. Today she trains full-time at the US High Performance Centre in Princeton while balancing a professional career outside rowing.

Why This Conversation Matters

What do you do after your Olympic dream doesn't go the way you hoped?

For Teal Cohen, the answer was simple: go back to work.

Following the Paris Olympics, Teal returned to the USA sweep squad alongside teammates carrying similar disappointment. Less than a year later they stood together as World Champions.

• Resilience After Setback

Olympic disappointment became the motivation rather than the end of the journey. Teal explains how setbacks can become powerful fuel for future success.

• The Power of Great Coaching

One phone call from her former college coach completely changed her perspective after missing selection. Instead of sympathy, she received belief, clarity and a plan.

• Consistency Wins

Rather than chasing miracle sessions, Teal focused on showing up every day. A disciplined winter of training resulted in an eight-second improvement on her 2km erg.

• Building Championship Culture

The USA Women's Four developed trust through everyday training, shared challenges and enjoying difficult sessions together.

• Trust Before Performance

Championship crews are built long before race day. Trust is created through countless sessions where teammates consistently show up for one another.

• Individualised High Performance

USA Rowing is embracing sports science and personalised training programs, recognising that athletes respond differently and perform best with individual support.

• Looking Towards LA 2028

With Los Angeles on the horizon, Teal discusses why the current Olympic cycle is the ideal time to experiment, learn and continue building speed.

You can quote us on that

"You have nine months until Olympic selection. That's plenty of time."

"The easiest way to get faster is to keep doing what you're doing—consistently."

"To walk away as a World Champion after a less-than-great Olympic experience was just awesome."

"The most important thing in any boat is trusting the people you're rowing with."

"With success comes so many losses that people never see."

Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM

Guest: Teal Cohen USA

Produced by: Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

Some rowing stories define a club. Others define a generation.

Neil Hewitt's journey began as a nine-year-old boy at Mercantile Rowing Club, coxing Sunday morning outings with the club's old legends on the Yarra River, Melbourne. It culminated in steering Australia's Men's Eight to an Olympic Bronze Medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games, one of the most significant eras in Australian rowing history.

In this remarkable conversation with Drew Ginn, Neil reflects on growing up at Mercantile, learning the craft of coxing from some of the club's greatest figures, competing in the famous Kings Cup campaigns of the 1950s and discovering that sometimes the greatest lessons in sport come many years after the finish line.

More than an Olympic story, this is a conversation about resilience, perspective, craftsmanship and the lifelong friendships created through rowing.

Who is Neil Hewitt?

Neil Hewitt is an Olympic Bronze Medallist and one of Mercantile Rowing Club's most respected members.

Beginning his rowing journey as a young coxswain, Neil developed into one of Australia's finest racing tacticians, culminating in selection as coxswain of Australia's Men's Eight at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.

His career helped shape one of the golden eras of Victorian and Australian rowing while establishing a lifelong connection with Mercantile Rowing Club that continues today.

Why This Conversation Matters

• Mercantile's History Comes Alive

Neil's memories transport listeners back to a time when rowing clubs were built on mentorship, tradition and community. Learning from Mercantile's senior members wasn't simply about rowing - it was about belonging.

• The Craft of Coxing

Long before cox boxes and GPS technology, Neil relied on instinct, rhythm and observation.

He explains how coxswains once learned to:

Read the Yarra River currents, judge boat speed from puddles, feel the rhythm of the crew, steer with almost invisible movements.

It is a fascinating insight into an almost forgotten craft.

• Sometimes Bronze Feels Like Gold... Eventually

One of the most moving parts of the conversation is Neil's honesty. Despite winning an Olympic Bronze Medal, he admits it took almost ten years before he truly appreciated what the crew had achieved. His reflections remind us that perspective often arrives long after competition ends.

• Great Coaches Build Belief

Neil recalls the influence of legendary coach Bob Aitken, whose simple message before every race became a philosophy for life:

Do your best - and you'll always give yourself a chance.

• The Perfect Row

Perhaps the most beautiful moment comes when Neil describes the feeling every rower spends a lifetime searching for.

When the rhythm arrives.

When every athlete moves together.

When the boat suddenly becomes effortless.

You Can Quote Us On That

"I learnt to swim and I never mastered swimming. Thankfully, I was always close to the boat."

"Do your best and you've got a real good chance."

"It took me ten years to get over winning the bronze medal."

"You could just feel the boat changing… it went really sizzling."

"We didn't have cox boxes in those days, you had to feel the boat."

Why You Should Listen

Neil Hewitt represents a remarkable link between Mercantile's earliest generations and today's athletes.

His stories remind us that while equipment, training methods and technology have evolved dramatically, the essence of rowing has never changed.

Rhythm – Trust – Teamwork - Belief.

This is not simply the story of an Olympic medal.

It is the story of what it means to belong to Mercantile Rowing Club.

Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM

Guest: Neil Hewitt OAM

Produced by: Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital & 776BC

Few athletes redefine themselves as often as Andrew Triggs Hodge.

From an unlikely late starter who admits he was never the best athlete growing up, to becoming one of Britain's most decorated rowers with three Olympic Gold Medals and multiple World Championship titles, Andrew's story is one of relentless growth, courage and an obsession with becoming just a little better every day.

In this fascinating conversation with Drew Ginn OAM, Andrew reflects on some of rowing's greatest rivalries, the legendary coaching of Jürgen Gröbler, the pressure of competing at home in London 2012, the remarkable comeback that led to Rio 2016, and the psychology behind winning when everything is on the line.

This is far more than an Olympic story. It is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, teamwork and the pursuit of continuous improvement.

Who is Andrew Triggs Hodge?

Andrew Triggs Hodge MBE is one of Great Britain's greatest Olympic rowers.

A three-time Olympic Gold Medallist (Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016), Andrew became synonymous with British rowing's golden era under legendary coach Jürgen Gröbler.

Competing across the Four, Pair and Eight, Andrew was renowned for his physical commitment, emotional honesty and willingness to constantly reinvent himself. Alongside teammates including Pete Reed, Tom James, Alex Gregory and Tom George, he helped establish one of the most successful Olympic rowing programs in history.

Today, Andrew is respected not only for his achievements on the water but for his insights into leadership, teamwork, high performance and personal growth.

Why This Conversation Matters

Winning Starts Long Before Race Day

Andrew reveals that Olympic victories are built over years—not minutes.

Training environments, culture, trust and daily habits ultimately determine who crosses the finish line first.

Great Teams Are Built on Difference

One of the strongest themes throughout the conversation is that successful crews are not made up of identical personalities.

Andrew explains how different strengths, perspectives and temperaments created stronger boats, particularly his famous partnership with Pete Reed.

Pressure Is a Privilege

The London 2012 Olympic Final provides extraordinary insight into performing under immense expectation.

With 90,000 home supporters, a changed race plan the night before the final, and Australia's legendary four pushing them throughout the race, Andrew explains what it truly feels like to perform when everything matters.

Reinvention Is Essential

Rather than repeating previous success, Andrew continually challenged himself to become a different athlete every Olympic cycle.

His willingness to evolve technically, mentally and physically became one of the defining reasons behind his longevity.

Rowing Is Ultimately About People

Whether discussing coaches, teammates or competitors, Andrew consistently returns to one message:

Success is never achieved alone.

Great crews are built through trust, respect and shared belief.

You Can Quote Us On That

"Just try to be a little better every day."

"The greatest crews are built on trust."

"Sometimes you've got to panic better than everyone else."

"Success comes from constantly reinventing yourself."

"The best rowing happens when you stop trying to force it."

"It's not just about what you do—it's about what you stop doing."

Why You Should Listen

Andrew Triggs Hodge offers an extraordinary look inside one of the greatest eras in Olympic rowing.

His honesty about setbacks, illness, rivalry, coaching and teamwork reveals that sustained success isn't built on talent alone - it comes from curiosity, resilience and an unwavering commitment to improvement.

Whether you're a rower, coach, leader or sports fan, this conversation offers timeless lessons about performance, perspective and purpose.

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest Andrew Triggs Hodge MBE

Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

Produced by Nicholas Finster & Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

In Part 2 of this special conversation, Sue Chapman-Popa moves from Olympian to coach, mentor and parent, sharing the lessons that helped shape Olympic Gold Medallist Rosie Popa and thousands of athletes who have learned to row on the Yarra.

This is a conversation about leadership, trust, coaching and creating environments where people can thrive.

Why This Conversation Matters

1. Parenting Elite Athletes

Sue explains why parents should teach the fundamentals, trust the coaches and allow young athletes to own their journey.

2. Great Coaches Build People

Success is about more than medals.

Sue shares her coaching philosophy:

• Respect people's time.
• Create positive first experiences.
• Use language with purpose.
• Build confidence through progression.

3. Growing the Sport

Drawing on twenty years of coaching beginners, Sue argues that rowing must become more accessible, enjoyable and welcoming if it is to continue to grow.

Episode Highlights

• Parenting Rosie Popa
• The US collegiate pathway
• Coaching philosophy and athlete autonomy
• Running a rowing school on the Yarra
• Why first experiences shape lifelong participation
• Technical coaching insights and movement fundamentals

You Can Quote Us On That

"I think people's leisure time is the most valuable time that they have."

"Don't be part of the problem."

"The coaches can coach anywhere. Why are the athletes considered traitors if they don't row for this country?"

Key Takeaways

• Great parents support rather than control.

• Great coaches create environments where people want to return.

• Athlete development is built on trust and autonomy.

• The future of rowing depends on positive first experiences.

• Every generation has a responsibility to leave the sport better than they found it.

Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM

Guest: Sue Chapman-Popa

Produced by: Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

Before Australian women stood on Olympic podiums, there were pioneers willing to challenge convention.

In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with Olympic bronze medallist Sue Chapman-Popa to revisit one of the defining moments in Australian rowing history: the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

From learning to row at Lauriston in 1978, when girls on the Yarra were still a novelty, to becoming part of Australia's first-ever Olympic medal-winning women's crew, Sue shares an extraordinary story of determination, innovation and resilience.

Who is Sue Chapman-Popa?

Sue Chapman Popa is one of the pioneers of Australian women's rowing.

She won Olympic Bronze in the Women's Coxed Four at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, becoming part of the first Australian women's crew to win an Olympic rowing medal. At a time when women's rowing was still finding its place, Sue helped break barriers, challenge perceptions and build pathways that continue to shape the sport today.

Beyond her own career, Sue has spent decades coaching, mentoring and introducing thousands of people to rowing while also supporting her daughter Rosie Popa's journey to Olympic Gold in Tokyo 2020.

Why This Conversation Matters

1. The Women Who Changed Australian Rowing

Sue reflects on entering a sport where women were still proving they belonged and how a small group of athletes helped transform Australian rowing forever.

2. The Physiology of Winning

What did it take to race an Olympic 1000 metres?

Sue explains breathing strategies, oxygen debt, pain management and why elite athletes learn to become comfortable being uncomfortable.

3. Building an Olympic Crew

Selection stories, tiny squads, innovative strength training and the coaches who believed women could compete on the world stage.

4. Creating Opportunity

From citizenship challenges to one of the first corporate sponsorships in Australian women's rowing, this is a story of determination both on and off the water.

Episode Highlights

• Australia's first Olympic medal in women's rowing

• The famous three-boat photo finish at Lake Casitas

• Learning to row at Lauriston

• Women lifting weights in the early 1980s

• Building an Olympic crew from a developing program

• The philosophy of pioneering and challenging convention

You Can Quote Us On That

"I've always been kind of pioneering. I'm not afraid of trying new things."

"Once you're in pain, it doesn't get any worse."

"He thought every day after that was a bonus."

Key Takeaways

• Progress starts with people willing to challenge convention.

• Elite performance comes from embracing discomfort.

• Great sporting cultures are built by courageous pioneers.

• Today's opportunities exist because previous generations created them.

Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM

Guest: Sue Chapman-Popa

Produced by: Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

Few people have experienced rowing from as many perspectives as Martin Cross.

Olympic Champion. World Championship medallist. Coach. Author. Broadcaster. Storyteller.

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with one of rowing's most respected voices to explore a lifetime in the sport. From winning Olympic Gold in the Coxed Four at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games to becoming one of the world's leading rowing commentators, Martin shares the lessons, challenges and moments that have shaped an extraordinary journey.

The conversation travels from Olympic glory and selection controversies to coaching, commentary, athlete development and the future of the sport. It is a masterclass in performance, perspective and passion for rowing.

Who is Martin Cross?

Martin Cross MBE is an Olympic Gold Medallist who represented Great Britain across four Olympic Games.

He was a member of the British Men's Coxed Four that captured Gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, ending a 36-year drought for British Olympic rowing gold medals. Beyond his athletic career, Martin has become one of the sport's most recognised commentators, providing expert analysis for World Rowing, the Olympic Games and major international regattas around the world.

Today he remains deeply connected to rowing through coaching, writing, broadcasting and mentoring athletes and coaches globally.

Why This Conversation Matters

1. Olympic Success Doesn't Solve Everything

Martin reflects candidly on the reality of winning Olympic Gold and the surprising emotional complexity that followed.

His story reminds us that sporting success and personal fulfilment are not always the same thing.

2. Great Crews Are Built Through Trust

The journey to Olympic Gold was far from straightforward.

Selection disputes, differing opinions and strong personalities all shaped the famous British Coxed Four. The conversation provides a fascinating insight into how elite crews are formed and the importance of trusting a shared vision.

3. The Love of Rowing Lasts a Lifetime

From athlete to coach, commentator and mentor, Martin describes rowing as more than a sport—it is a lifelong connection to people, challenge, nature and personal growth.

4. Great Commentary Tells Human Stories

Listeners gain a rare insight into what happens behind the microphone.

Martin explains how the best commentary comes from understanding athletes, talking with coaches and finding the stories that bring racing to life.

5. The Future of Rowing Is Bright

From Henley Royal Regatta to World Championships, Martin shares his excitement for the next generation of athletes and the increasing professionalism, visibility and competitiveness of the sport worldwide.

You can quote us on that!

"The sport has become part of me."

"Rowing is about connection."

"The best races are the ones that leave you speechless."

"You can never stop learning in rowing."

"Henley is on the bucket list of rowers around the world."

"The whole thing is almost impossible to describe—it's a way of life."

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest: Martin Cross MBE

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

Few athletes embody resilience and longevity quite like Erik Horrie OAM PLY. A five-time Paralympian, multiple World Champion and one of Australia's most successful para-rowers, Erik has spent more than a decade redefining what is possible in elite sport.

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Erik joins Drew Ginn for a candid conversation about the lessons learned across a remarkable career. From overcoming a challenging childhood and life-changing spinal injury to becoming one of the dominant athletes in para-rowing, Erik shares the mindset, relationships and relentless curiosity that have kept him competing at the highest level.

Who is Erik Horrie?

Erik Horrie is one of Australia's most successful para-rowers and a pioneer of international para-rowing. Following a spinal cord injury that left him paraplegic, Erik discovered rowing and rapidly rose through the ranks to become a multiple World Champion and Paralympic medallist. Since making his international debut, he has represented Australia at five Paralympic Games and has consistently been among the world's leading PR1 men's single scull athletes.

Known for his resilience, technical innovation and relentless pursuit of improvement, Erik has helped redefine what is possible in para-rowing. Beyond his achievements on the water, he is respected for his leadership, advocacy for athletes with disabilities, and his willingness to share the lessons he has learned through sport, adversity and life.

Why is this conversation important?

The conversation explores the evolution of para-rowing, the importance of trust between athlete and coach, the pursuit of marginal gains, and the realities of competing across multiple Paralympic campaigns. Erik reflects on unforgettable moments from London, Rio, Tokyo and Paris, his long partnership with coach JB, and why he continues to search for new ways to improve as he looks toward Los Angeles 2028.

This is a story of perseverance, adaptability and finding purpose through sport.

1. Resilience Can Be Built Through Adversity

Erik's journey demonstrates that life's greatest challenges do not have to define a person's future. From a difficult childhood and a life-changing spinal injury to becoming a Paralympic medallist and World Champion, Erik shows how adversity can be transformed into purpose, determination and success. His story provides a powerful reminder that resilience is not something people are born with—it is developed through persistence, mindset and the willingness to keep moving forward.

2. Excellence Requires Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Despite competing at the highest level for more than two decades, Erik continues to search for ways to improve. The conversation highlights the importance of listening, embracing change, trusting coaches and being willing to evolve as an athlete and person. His approach demonstrates that long-term success is not about doing the same thing forever, but about constantly learning, adapting and refining your craft.

3. Success Is Built Through Relationships and Community

Throughout the discussion, Erik repeatedly acknowledges the coaches, volunteers, teammates, support staff and family members who have contributed to his journey. His experiences reinforce the idea that while sporting achievements may appear individual, they are often the result of a strong support network. The conversation serves as a reminder that great outcomes are rarely achieved alone and that investing in relationships is critical to sustained success.

You can quote us on that!

“The biggest thing is being willing to change."

"I'm the person that shapes the picture frame of my life."

"What happened to me doesn't define me."

"The volunteers who helped me get into a boat are the reason I'm here today."

"You never fully understand rowing. You're always learning."

"The recovery is just as important as the work."

Guests: Erik Horrie OAM PLY

Host: Drew Ginn OAM

Produced by: Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital & 776BC

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew sits down with one of Australia's most remarkable endurance athletes, Cam Wurf. From representing Australia in the Athens Olympic rowing eight, to riding Grand Tours with some of cycling's biggest names, and now competing at the highest level of Ironman triathlon, Cam reflects on a career defined by reinvention, resilience and relentless curiosity.

Who is Cam Wurf?

Cam Wurf is one of Australia's most accomplished endurance athletes, having competed at the highest level in three different sports. He represented Australia in rowing at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, where he was a member of the Australian Men's lightweight double scull. Originally from Tasmania, Wurf developed his athletic foundation through rowing, learning the discipline, resilience and work ethic that would underpin his future success.

Following his rowing career, Wurf transitioned to professional cycling, racing Grand Tours with some of the world's leading teams, including Cannondale-Liquigas and Ineos Grenadiers. He later reinvented himself again as a professional Ironman triathlete, becoming one of the sport's leading competitors and a contender at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. His unique journey across rowing, cycling and triathlon has made him one of the most versatile and respected endurance athletes in the world.

Why is this conversation important?

1. ​ Rowing Builds More Than Athletes

Cam credits rowing as the foundation for every success that followed. The discipline, teamwork and resilience developed in the boat translated directly into elite cycling and triathlon.

1. ​ Optimism Can Be Trained

Elite performance is not about avoiding setbacks but learning how to respond when things go wrong. Cam's approach is to continually adapt and keep moving forward.

1. ​ Recovery Is a Competitive Advantage

Looking back, Cam believes he underestimated the value of rest during his rowing career. Today, recovery is a deliberate and essential component of his preparation.

1. ​ Excellence Is Contagious

From Stephen Hawkins and James Tomkins to Chris Froome and Jan Frodeno, Cam's career demonstrates the power of learning from world-class people and environments.

1. ​ Reinvention Is Possible

Olympian. Professional cyclist. Ironman contender. At 42, Cam continues to pursue new challenges and proves that athletic careers do not have to follow a traditional path.

You can quote us on that!

"Rowing set me up to deal with everything I've faced since."

"Good people kind of find good people. You sort out the best of the best."

"No one can go in your lane."

"It's all about the volume."

Listen Now

A conversation about rowing, cycling, triathlon, resilience, optimism, family and the lifelong pursuit of excellence. Whether you're an athlete, coach, parent or sports enthusiast, Cam Wurf's story offers valuable lessons on performance, reinvention and showing up when it matters most.

Guest: Cam Wurf OLY

Host: Drew Ginn OAM

Produced by: Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital & 776BC