Rowing Speakers
James Cracknell
Rower, Adventurer & Endurance Athlete
Six times rowing World Champion, double Olympic gold medallist and endurance athlete, James Cracknell is nothing short of inspirational. James began rowing at school - he clearly had a talent for the sport as he went on to win a gold medal in the World Junior Championships in 1990. After moving into the senior squad he made a number of appearances at the World Championships, but unfortunately did not win any medals in the early days. However, in 1997 he won a seat in the men's coxless fours (along with legendary rowers Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent) and this team went on to enjoy a great deal of success, winning gold in the World Rowing Championships in 1997, 1998 and 1999, and finally Olympic gold in Sydney 2000.
Tim Foster
Olympic Rower & Coach
One of the country's most successful rowers and Olympic gold medallist, Tim Foster made a bright start to his career when he competed in the World Rowing Junior Championships in 1987 and 1988. In fact he became the first Briton to win a gold medal at two consecutive championships!
Anna Hemmings
Marathon & Sprint Canoeist
Britain's most successful female kayaker, Anna Hemmings is a two time Olympian who also won the world title an impressive six times. Anna began kayaking as a young girl at the Elmbridge Canoe Club in Weybridge, Surrey. Little did she realise that this would lead on to a glittering career that would see her win a remarkable number of events. At the age of twenty she won her first European Championship and just two years later she became World Champion in marathon kayak racing.
Garry Herbert
Rower, Barrister & Banker
Garry Herbert is perhaps best known as the Olympic gold medal winning cox who steered brothers Jonny and Greg Searle to victory in the 1992 Olympic Games. Overcome with emotion at the medal presentation, Garry won the hearts of a nation. The following year the trio added a world title to their collection. Garry was awarded the MBE for his services to rowing, and was also part of the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year in 1992.
Ben Hunt-Davis
Olympic Rower & Performance Coach
A former competitive rower, Ben Hunt-Davis won gold as a member of the Men's Eight at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000. He also competed in the Barcelona and Atlanta games, and in 1999 he won a silver medal in the World Rowing Championships.
Mark Hunter
Olympic Rower
An inspirational and determined rower, Mark Hunter made history at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he won Team GB's first ever lightweight rowing gold medal.
Alex Partridge
Olympic Rower
Well known British rower, Alex Partridge won a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics and a bronze at the 2012 London games. He also won three gold medals at the World Championships.
Sir Matthew Pinsent
Olympic Gold Medallist
An inspirational and determined oarsman, Matthew Pinsent enjoyed an extremely successful career in rowing. He became a household name when he won a gold medal at four consecutive Olympic Games. In addition to this incredible achievement he also won a remarkable ten gold medals at the World Championships between 1991 and 2002.