The 2026 international rowing season is officially underway, and what a start it was. Drew Ginn sits down with two of rowing’s most respected voices- Noel Donaldson and David “Chippa” Colvin - to unpack the opening World Cup of the season in Seville, Spain. Returning to the famed course for the first time in over two decades, the regatta delivered fast conditions, high-quality racing, and plenty of discussion points for athletes, coaches and rowing fans alike.

Episode Highlights

Seville Delivers a Fast Start to the Season

The opening World Cup showed that crews are no longer easing into the international season. Across the board, athletes arrived ready to race, with many crews pushing 38–39 strokes per minute from the first heat. The standard of racing, weather conditions and organisation received high praise from all three commentators.

Rhythm Still Wins Races

Despite increasingly aggressive starts and high stroke rates, the crews that stood out most were those producing calm, controlled and rhythmical rowing. The Australian Women’s Eight, Australian Women’s Four, Great Britain’s Four and Oliver Zeidler’s single scull all demonstrated that efficiency remains a critical competitive advantage.

Australian Women Continue to Impress

The Australian Women’s Eight produced one of the standout performances of the regatta, showing composure under pressure and executing a measured race plan to secure victory. The Women’s Four also delivered a strong silver medal performance, highlighting the growing depth and confidence within the Australian women’s program.

Oliver Zeidler’s Evolution

One of the most fascinating stories from Seville was the continued development of German single sculler Oliver Zeidler. Working with coach Nick Lloyd, Zeidler appears to have evolved from a pure front-runner into a more complete racer, maintaining his trademark speed while rowing with greater composure through the middle stages of races.

The Brutality of Modern Progression Systems

The new progression format came under scrutiny, with top-two-plus-fastest qualifying systems creating little room for error. Equipment failures, poor draws or a single sub-standard race can now end a regatta campaign before it truly begins. The panel discusses the implications for athletes, coaches and the spectator experience.

Looking Ahead to LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032

The discussion also explores:

• The proposed 1500m Olympic race distance for Los Angeles 2028.
• Ongoing concerns about the LA rowing venue.
• The debate surrounding the Brisbane 2032 rowing venue and athlete experience.
• The importance of maintaining fairness and integrity within Olympic competition.

Henley Preparations Continue

Closer to home, attention turns to Mercantile’s young crews preparing for Henley Royal Regatta. Strong erg performances, winter training and valuable international racing opportunities are all part of the build-up as athletes prepare to test themselves against some of the deepest club fields in the world.

Key Takeaways

• International crews are arriving race-ready earlier than ever.
• The new progression system places greater importance on every race.
• Rhythm and efficiency remain decisive performance factors.
• Australia’s women continue to build momentum and confidence.
• Open-minded athletes continue to find opportunities for improvement, regardless of success.
• The 1500m future is coming, but qualification remains the immediate priority.
• Venue integrity and athlete experience must remain central to Olympic planning.
• US collegiate rowing continues to influence and strengthen world rowing standards.

Listen Now

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM, this episode provides expert analysis of the opening World Cup of the season and valuable insights for athletes, coaches and rowing enthusiasts alike.

Guests: Noel Donaldson ASM & David “Chippa” Colvin

Host: Drew Ginn OAM

Produced by: Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Mercantile Rowing Club | Choice Capital & 776BC

What does it feel like to execute a race that is 99.9% perfect, only to miss out on Olympic Gold by less than half a second? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, we sit down with Sydney 2000 Silver medalist Christian Ryan to uncover the brutal margins, hidden psychology, and off-water alchemy of elite big-boat racing. From his roots in regional Victoria to anchoring the historic 1998 U23 World Champion Eight, Christian strips away the glamour of the podium to reveal the raw reality of Olympic heartbreak—including the hours spent sitting silently in a changeroom shower wondering what comes next. Now a highly successful coach and corporate leader, Christian breaks down how to manage nine distinct personalities, how he used historical visualization to break a legendary King's Cup drought, and why rowing desperately needs a Drive to Survive-style overhaul to survive. Whether you are a coach looking for a tactical edge or an athlete chasing those final fractions of a second, this masterclass on the ultimate team sport will change the way you look at a racing lane forever.

Who is Christian Ryan?

Christian Ryan is an elite Australian former rower and an Olympic Silver medalist. Born in Warrnambool, Victoria, Ryan rose through the ranks of Victorian rowing, famously securing a gold medal at the 1998 World Rowing U23 Championships in the Men's Eight before moving into the senior national squad.

The absolute pinnacle of his international rowing career came at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, where he sat in the crucial bow seat of the Australian Men's Eight. Alongside legendary teammates, Ryan pushed the powerhouse Great Britain crew to the absolute limit, capturing a dramatic Silver medal in front of a home crowd by a mere 0.8 seconds. Beyond his international achievements, he is a multiple King's Cup winner for Victoria and a highly respected figure across the Australian sports and business landscapes.

Why This Conversation is Important?

This episode explores the immense pressure of home soil Olympics, the razor-thin margins of elite rowing, and the transition from world class athlete to professional success.

• The Anatomy of an Olympic Final: Ryan breaks down the strategic and psychological reality of the Sydney 2000 final, what happens when a race plan dictates a slow start, the mental fortitude required to launch a late sprint, and how it feels to miss out on Olympic Gold by less than a second.

• The Dynamics of the Bow Seat: As the bowman of the Australian Eight, Christian shares unique insights into the technical precision, agility, and unique leadership required to set the balance and steer the internal rhythm of a 24-foot powerhouse boat.

• A Dual-Sport Engine: The conversation highlights Ryan's diverse athletic background. He spent time training under Mick Malthouse at the Collingwood Football Club and excelled in VFL and A-grade amateur football, offering listeners a rare look at how elite rowing fitness translates across different Australian sporting codes.

• Translating High-Performance to Business: Transitioning from the water to corporate leadership, Ryan discusses how the hard work, structure, and accountability learned in the boat house directly inform his role as a Managing Director and Principal in wealth management.

You can quote us on that!

"It was 99.9% right. We had to go low 5:32 to win. We were 5:32.6 or 5:32.8. You’re only marginally off your best row. That half-second edge GB had over the first thousand metres was what we couldn’t buy back."

"It’s not actually what you think, it’s how you think. Once you unlock that, it’s amazing what you start to do in the sport."

"You need power on land, but athleticism on water. We lifted heavy in the gym but rowed light—hamstrings into the finish, speed away from the handle, ease through the middle."

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest Christian Ryan

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by Choice Capital & 776BC

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, we sit down with Mercantile’s rising young rowers - Gabi Price, Georgie “G” Campbell, and Jake Polkinghorne - ahead of their international campaign. Drawn from Mercs’ youth, U21/U23 and senior squads, the group will race at the Holland Beker before taking on the Henley Royal Regatta.

The trio unpack the realities of Scott Rowe’s brutal training program, the technical changes being refined under Annabelle Eaton, and the mentors who shaped their rowing journeys. The conversation also explores the mental side of elite sport — handling pain, adapting within a crew, and why saying your goals out loud matters.

Who are Jake, Gabi and Georgia?

Jake Polkinghorne

• St Pat’s College Ballarat (Rowed 1st IV in 2021, 2nd at Head of the Lake, won Schoolboy 4+ at Nationals).
• The Journey: After a year away from rowing, Jake joined Mercantile in 2022/23, earning selection in the Victoria U21 8+ and making his Henley debut in the Britannia Coxed Four. Now in his first Senior A season, he has transitioned into sculling as his primary discipline.
• The Campaign: Sitting in the pivotal 7-seat of the Men's Thames 8 as the oldest athlete on board.

Gabi Price

• Background: Carey Grammar (Class of 2024).
• The Journey: Now in her second season at Mercantile, Gabi stroked the club to victory in both the U21 W4+ and U21 W8+ at the 2026 Nationals after a gruelling winter block. Alongside Lucy Gillon and Eloise Adem (“The 3 Amigos”), she also helped guide the U21 women through a turbulent coaching period before stabilising under Rhett Spiller.
• The Campaign: Bringing her championship-winning rhythm to the Women's Wargrave 8.

Georgia “G” Campbell

• Background: Originally from Brisbane; two-time 1st VIII rower at St Margaret’s (winning her Head of the River).
• The Journey: Georgia rowed under Scott Rowe at Kand Rowing Club before following him to Melbourne to pursue sculling after her pair partner’s season-ending injury. She narrowly missed U23 World Championship selection and recently debuted for Queensland in the Queen’s Cup, finishing 2nd.
• The Campaign: Traded the single for a seat in the highly competitive Women's Wargrave 8.

Why Is This Conversation Important?

Taking opportunities to develop each athletes learning outside Australia is a vital component of the Mercantile Rowing Program. Preparing for and racing at the Henley Royal Regatta or the Head of the Charles, provides these important development pathways. Our young athletes take us on this journey.

Key Insights From the Episode

• Say it out loud: Keeping ambitions to yourself feels safe, but naming your goals out loud allows others to help you get there; and holds you accountable when motivation dips.
• Know your "why": Purpose is what gets you out of bed for freezing Melbourne winter mornings. Often, you keep pushing simply because you promised your teammates you would.
• Confidence is coachable: Self-belief isn't just for Olympians. Gabi credits coach Jim Portus with building her confidence through deliberate pre-race rituals and constant reconnection to her goals.

• The power of the club shed: The elite pathway stays visible because of the Mercantile community. Senior athletes returning to the shed, older girls raising the standards, and the collective energy around group erg sessions make the brutal work genuinely enjoyable.

The Campaign at a Glance & How to Support

The crews depart Australia in mid-June. They will kick off their campaign at the Holland Beker (20–21 June) on the Bosbaan, racing an eight and two straight fours, before heading to the UK for Henley, under the guidance of women's coach Annabelle Eaton and Scott Rowe.

How to help them get there: The athletes are fundraising to cover travel, equipment, and accommodation expenses. All donations are fully tax-deductible via the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF).

Donate Here: https://asf.org.au/campaigns/mercantile-rowing-club/2026-mercantilerc-henley-campaign

What does it actually take to survive the most brutal race in the world? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, we sit down with Norway’s most decorated rower, two-time Olympic Single Scull Champion Olaf Tufte. Before he ever touched an oar, Tufte built an unbreakable engine dragging timber on a Norwegian farm and racing motocross—entering the sport late with "10,000 hours" already in his body. In this masterclass of raw grit and radical self-honesty, Olaf takes us inside the terrifying middle 1000m of the Athens final, explains why he throws away heart rate monitors when coaching, and shares the kitchen-table intervention that saved his career. If you want to learn how to ignore the noise, build an elite mindset, and master the art of "staying in your lane" when the pressure is at its absolute peak, you cannot afford to miss this conversation.

Who is Olaf Tufte?

Olaf Tufte is a legendary Norwegian rower and one of the most resilient, decorated athletes in the history of the sport. A four-time Olympic medalist, he captured back-to-back Olympic Gold medals in the Men's Single Scull at the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Games. He later added a Silver (2000, Double Scull) and a Bronze (2016, Double Scull) to his historic tally.

Before he ever touched an oar at age 16, Tufte built an engine of pure grit working on his family farm in Norway and racing motocross. Known for his uncompromising physical toughness, massive aerobic capacity, and razor sharp mental approach, Tufte spent decades competing at the absolute pinnacle of elite rowing, retiring as an icon of longevity and athletic integrity

Why This Conversation is Important?

This episode is a masterclass in high performance psychology, training philosophy, and radical self-honesty. It is an essential listen for athletes, coaches, and leaders:

• The Psychology of Resiliency: Tufte reveals the exact mental frameworks required to survive "the dark room" of elite racing, such as the crucial middle 1000m of an Olympic final and how sticking to a personal process overrides the panic of a competitor moving ahead.

• Redefining "Athletic Foundation": He challenges the modern trend of hyper-specialized, data-driven youth training, proving how a childhood of manual farm labour ("10,000 hours in the body") and multi sport play creates a more robust, injury resistant athlete.

• Autonomy Over Data: In an era obsessed with wearable tech, Tufte presents a counter cultural argument for throwing away heart rate monitors. He emphasises teaching athletes to read their own bodies through intuitive markers, fatigue awareness, and raw feeling.

• The Power of Radical Feedback: His "kitchen-table reckoning" after a devastating London 2012 performance offers a profound lesson in humility. It demonstrates how surrounding yourself with people who will tell you the brutal truth is often the only way to rebuild after failure.

You can Quote us on that!

On the Athens Final:

"Stay in your lane. Stick to your process. If you’re feeling tired, he has to be tired."

On the Reality of Winning:

"Even if I died crossing that finish line, I will hurry; I will come up fresh."

On His Training Philosophy:

"Raise your 80% as close to your 100 as possible. The average of your stroke has to be as good as possible."

On Modern Tracking Data:

"When I coach people, I tend to throw away the heart rate monitors. You’re supposed to train. Learn your body. Tell me what you feel."

On Overcoming Failure Post-London 2012:

"No one is going to decide when I’m going to quit. I quit when I decide to... I never gave up. I came back and proved everybody wrong. For me, that’s the biggest victory in rowing history."

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest Olaf Tufte

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by 776BC

In this landmark episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with John Bowes and Randall Martin, the architects behind Queensland’s historic, drought-breaking King’s Cup victory. This is a masterclass in elite coaching, exploring how they navigated 87 years of pressure and a "bloody gale" to build a winning dynasty. From the strategic rise of the US collegiate pathway to the technical beauty of "distance per stroke," go behind the scenes of one of the most extraordinary moments in Australian rowing history.

Who is John Bowes and Randall Martin?

John Bowes is a titan of Australian rowing, possessing a career that spans decades as both a high-level athlete and an elite coach. A former lightweight rower who transitioned from a career in physical education to professional coaching. Known as "The Strategist," he is highly regarded for his deep understanding of the US Collegiate system and its integration into the Rowing Australia pathway. His technical philosophy is anchored in the fundamentals of posture, sequence, and slide control, driven by a belief that being "kind to the hull" and dedicating the necessary time to perfect rigging are the true secrets to achieving economical and sustainable boat speed.

Randall Martin

As a "Cultivator" of talent, Randall Martin has mentored many members of the historic 2026 King’s Cup crew since they were in Year 9, fostering a bond with his athletes that goes far beyond the traditional coach-athlete dynamic. He describes himself as a "sponge," constantly learning from others to refine a technical philosophy centred on maximising distance per stroke through clear, purposeful messaging. For Martin, the recent success was deeply personal; coaching his own son to a drought-breaking victory allowed him to share a profound moment of reflection with a close-knit circle of rowing families, celebrating the culmination of years of persistence and shared history.

Why This Conversation is Important?

This episode isn’t just about a single race; it’s about dismantling a nearly century-long legacy of "almosts." In 2026, Queensland ended an 87-year drought to claim the King’s Cup, the premier event in Australian domestic rowing.

This conversation is vital for coaches and athletes alike because it provides a blueprint for:

• Building a Dynasty: Moving beyond "one-off" success to create a sustainable high-performance culture.

• Managing Pressure: How to keep young athletes calm when they are carrying the weight of 87 years of history on their shoulders.

• The Global Pathway: A deep dive into how the US College system is now an essential "feeder" for Australian elite rowing and how to integrate those returning athletes.

• Technical Excellence: Real talk on rigging, posture, and the "fundamentals" that allow a boat to remain clean even in a gale-force headwind.

Key Discussion Highlights

• Lake Barrington Gale: The crew's ability to stay "clean" in the rough conditions was forged during training sessions in "bloody gales" at Wivenhoe Dam.

• The "Magic Moment": A four-hour delay at the regatta led to the crew sitting around on trestles, chatting and laughing. This unplanned bonding session removed the "uptight" energy and replaced it with confidence.

• The US Connection: A staggering revelation that 7 out of 9 members of the 2023 Senior Men’s Eight came through the US system, highlighting the need for Australia to embrace this pathway.

You can quote us on that!

"The school window is a small part of your rowing. I want my athletes to be students of the sport, to know who Jimmy Tomkins is and to understand that they are part of something much bigger." Randall Martin

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest Randall Martin and John Bowes

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by 776BC

We’re joined by legendary Strength and Conditioning coach Kemble Edelsten, the man who has spent over three decades turning schoolboy and schoolgirl rowers into elite level athletes. From the "Coke Can" secret to core stability to why your breathing might be the one thing holding back your erg score, Kemble breaks down the exact land-based blueprint used at programs like Scotch College to build power, prevent injury, and foster a winning culture. Whether you’re a coach looking for an edge or an athlete trying to break a PB, this masterclass in movement is required listening.

Who is Kemble Edelsten?

Kemble Edelsten is a leading Strength and Conditioning (S&C) coach based in Melbourne, with over 30 years of experience shaping elite youth athletes. Currently the S&C Lead at Scotch College, Kemble’s journey took him from PE teaching to high-performance sports science, including a pivotal stint at the University of Hawaii that ignited his passion for the S&C pathway. He is a specialist in long-term athletic development, moving beyond simple weightlifting to focus on movement quality, injury prevention, and the "holistic athlete."

Why This Conversation is Important

This episode is a masterclass for coaches, parents, and athletes on the bridge between the gym and the water. Kemble explains that S&C isn't just about "getting big" it's about building a robust, flexible, and self-aware human being.

Key Takeaways include:

• The "Better Athlete" Philosophy: Why focusing on power and flexibility is more effective for boat speed than chasing specific erg numbers.

• Succession of Culture: How older students model recovery, nutrition, and discipline for the younger years.

• The Post-COVID Disconnect: Rebuilding "good practice" and athletic standards in a landscape where mentorship cycles were interrupted.

Episode Highlights

1. The Multidisciplinary Coach

Kemble discusses how a modern S&C coach wears many hats:

• The Mentor: Building rapport to guide students through the pressures of selection.

• The Psychologist: Reading the room to know when to push and when to back off.

• The Educator: Teaching "why" an exercise matters so athletes can eventually manage their own training.

2. Mastering the Fundamentals: Breathing & The Core

Kemble breaks down his "back to basics" approach, which starts with anatomy and physiology before any weights are lifted.

• The "Dead Bug" & "Bird Dog": Essential exercises for pelvic stability and core coordination.

• Box Breathing: Using the nose to control the parasympathetic nervous system and move out of "fight or flight" mode.

• The "Coke Can" Analogy: A visual lesson in intra-abdominal pressure—an unopened can is indestructible, but an empty one crushes easily.

3. The Seasonal Roadmap

• Off-Season: Regressing to bare basics, screening for "niggles" with physios, and focusing on wellness (sleep, nutrition, and journaling).

• Winter: Building raw strength through compound movements and "funky" auxiliary exercises to keep engagement high.

• Pre-Competition: Transitioning to speed, power, and high-intensity movements.

4. Land-Based Training: More Than Weights

Kemble reflects on his 20-year history of implementing "un-trendy" training that is now mainstream:

• Bodyweight Mastery: Handstands, crawls, and duck walks.

• Versatility: Creating programs that athletes can do in a hotel room or at a regatta center without any equipment.

You can quote us on that

"I’m never going to say what we’re doing here is going to 'fix' your erg. I’m trying to make you a better athlete. A better athlete is more powerful, more flexible, and more conditioned. That is what makes the boat go faster."

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest Kemble Edelsten

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by 776BC

What happens when you combine Australian grit with Swiss precision?


You get the coaching mastery of Marty Aitken, the man behind one of the greatest Olympic upsets in history.

In this episode, we step inside the tactical “war room” of the 1996 Atlanta Games to uncover how Marty coached Zeno Müller to gold by redefining the relationship between athlete and mentor. From unconventional training methods like K1 kayaking to the “we, not me” philosophy that reshaped the single sculls, Marty shares the principles behind a career that has spanned continents and sports.

If you want to learn how to simplify the complex and find speed where others only see effort, this masterclass in high performance is essential listening.

Who is Marty Aitken?

Marty Aitken is a titan of international rowing coaching, whose career has spanned decades and continents. Originally a coxswain at Mercantile Rowing Club, he evolved into a world-class coach capable of producing results across boat classes, cultures, and systems.

The Architect of Gold: Best known for coaching Zeno Müller to Olympic Gold in the Men’s Single Sculls at the 1996 Atlanta Games, and guiding the Gier brothers to gold in the Swiss Lightweight Double Sculls.

Global Pedigree: His resume includes roles as Performance Director for the Scottish Institute of Sport, alongside coaching positions in Switzerland, Great Britain, and Australia.

A Cross-Sport Leader: Beyond rowing, Marty has led high-performance programs across multiple sports, including curling, demonstrating that his principles of elite performance extend well beyond the water.

Why this conversation is important

This episode is a true masterclass in mastery, offering rare insight into the intersection of technical precision and psychological management. It stands out because:

1. The “We, Not Me” Philosophy: Marty explains how he transformed the solitary nature of the single scull into a collaborative partnership, central to Müller’s Olympic performance.
2. Innovation in Training: At a time when many relied on brute force, Marty introduced unconventional methods such as K1 kayaking and feet-out rowing to develop elite boat feel.
3. Cross-Cultural Wisdom: Drawing on Australian grit, Swiss precision, and British tradition, Marty shows how blending systems creates stronger, more adaptable coaching.
4. The Simplicity of Greatness: In an era of information overload, Marty reinforces a timeless truth. The best coaching is often the simplest.

Key Insights & Discussion Points

The Atlanta 1996 Blueprint

Marty provides a behind-the-scenes look at Müller’s race strategy. It was not about leading early. It was about precise pacing and a psychological “switch” that unlocked a historic finishing sprint.

Technical Mastery: The Short Slide & The Catch


A deep dive into Marty’s core technical philosophy. By reducing the stroke to its essentials through short slide work, athletes can focus entirely on connection and timing at the catch.

Adaptive Coaching & Athlete Management

Marty reflects on the “cultural exchange” of rowing, including his time working alongside Harry Mahon, and the importance of adapting coaching to the athlete, not forcing the athlete into a rigid system.

Coaching Recommendations

• Experiment with Cross-Training: Integrate disciplines like kayaking or cycling to build a more complete athlete and improve boat feel.
• Prioritise the Technical: Before adding load or volume, invest time in drills such as feet-out or square blade rowing to refine fundamentals.
• Keep it Simple: The role of the coach is to filter, not overwhelm. One clear focus per session.

You can quote us on that:

“The difference between a good coach and a great coach is the ability to foster a ‘we’ mindset in a sport that often feels like ‘me’.”

“Keep instructions clear; too much information is just noise that drowns out the rhythm of the boat.”

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM


Guest Marty Aitken


Produced by Finster Productions


Sponsored by 776BC

In this bonus episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew sits down with James Tomkins to unpack what he focused on, thought about, and felt throughout the stroke. This conversation dives into the subtle details that define world-class rowing - from connection and rhythm to efficiency and feel - offering practical insights into what it takes to row well, row fast, and row effectively.

Enjoy the new video component and watch them unpack it all in real time!

In this episode, Lucy Stephan trades her Tokyo 2020 gold medal for a coach's whistle, offering a raw and masterfully honest look at the transition. From the "5-4-3-2-1" mental routine she used to conquer the world to the gruelling process of untangling her self-worth from her results, Lucy reveals why the hardest race isn't against the crew in the next lane—it’s the one inside your own head. Whether you’re a weekend rower or a high-stakes professional, this conversation is a masterclass in how to perform with complete faith and lead with true vulnerability.

Who is Lucy Stephen?

From the dusty tracks of Nhill to the top of the Olympic podium, Stephan has become the face of Australian rowing excellence. She’s best known for anchoring that legendary "Hour of Power" at the Tokyo Games, where she helped secure a gold medal in the women’s coxless four. With two World Championship titles and three Olympic appearances under her belt, most recently in Paris, she’s a certified icon of the sport. Now, she’s trading the oars for the whistle, taking her elite competitive drive to St Peter’s College in Adelaide to coach the 1st 8+. Whether she’s on the water or on the riverbank, Stephan remains a masterclass in resilience and elite performance.

Why This Conversation is Important?

This episode goes beyond the typical "athlete success story." It is essential listening for athletes, coaches, and high-performers for three key reasons:

1. The Mental Blueprint of a Champion: Lucy pulls back the curtain on the 5-4-3-2-1 start line routine and her meticulous use of visualization. She demonstrates that winning isn't just about physical output; it's about the discipline of the mind and the "complete faith" required on the start line.
2. The Vulnerability of Identity: Lucy speaks candidly about the "identity trap"—the dangerous habit of tying one’s self-worth strictly to performance outcomes. Her journey of untangling her value as a person from her results as an athlete provides a roadmap for others facing burnout or transition.
3. The Evolution of Coaching: The discussion highlights the humbling shift from athlete to coach. Lucy shares her philosophy that rowing is a vehicle for character: the goal isn't just to build fast boats, but to develop "good young men" who understand gratitude, ownership, and resilience.

You can Quote us on that:

"I believe the difference between winning and losing is sitting on the start line with complete and utter faith that you are going to win."

"I didn’t know if it was real because I’d visualised it so much. I had to keep saying to the girls, ‘We did it’—just to remind myself that we actually won gold."

"Two things can be true: just because a coach wasn’t it for me doesn’t mean they’re a bad coach."

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest Lucy Stephan OAM OLY

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by 776BC

In this episode Drew Ginn engages in a deep conversation with David Crawshay, an esteemed Australian rower who achieved Olympic glory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. David’s journey exemplifies resilience, mindset, and the essence of doing the simple things exceptionally well. His story serves as both inspiration and a powerful reminder of the mental aspects of sports and life.

Who is David Crawshay?

David Crawshay is an Australian rower, celebrated for his distinguished career that culminated in winning an Olympic gold medal in the men’s coxless four at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His experience includes not only the triumphs of elite sport but also the mental hurdles he faced before and after his Olympic success. As an advocate for mental health and sports performance, David's insights offer key takeaways for achieving goals and overcoming adversity.

Why This Conversation is Important

This conversation is crucial as it delves into the psychological and emotional resilience required not just in sports, but in everyday life challenges. David shares invaluable lessons about mindset shifts, the significance of persistence, and the importance of recovery, all of which can resonate with anyone striving for excellence. Understanding these themes can empower listeners to cultivate their own mental resilience, making this a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone looking to improve their performance under pressure.

Key Topics Covered

-The Beijing Gold Medal Race: An in-depth analysis of the calmness before the Olympic final and the moment they realised victory was near.

-Lessons from Disappointment: Discussing the fallout from the 2004 Athens Olympics and how it informed his subsequent successes.

-Mental Blocks and Recovery: Exploring the importance of addressing and overcoming mental barriers that athletes often face.

-Daily Training Diary: The impact of a structured system for building confidence through small daily accomplishments, including sleep, hydration, nutrition, and physical effort.

-Role of Coaches: Recognition of influential figures in his journey, highlighting the importance of guidance and mentorship.

-Rowing Culture and Community: Understanding how rowing clubs foster lifelong communities and serve as storytelling hubs.

This episode of Mercantile Radio not only chronicles David Crawshay's athletic achievements but also highlights the broader themes of mindset and community in sports. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own practices and the power of resilience in all areas of life.

As always, we love a good yarn. Enjoy the episode!

Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM

Guest David Crawshay OAM

Produced by Nicholas Finster

Sponsored by 776BC