In this special episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're thrilled to welcome back the fan-favourite, The People's Champion - Dave Bell. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of stories, laughter, and rowing wisdom that only Dave can bring. Dave has an unrivalled knack for storytelling, his tales are both inspiring and full of practical advice sprinkled with that signature Dave Bell humour we've all come to love. So grab your oars, tune in & join us for an episode with The People's Champion as we ma...
Sep 10, 2023•3 hr 5 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're pleased to host Matthew Tarrant, a double Olympian, 4 times World Champion and founder of RowElite who's now steering the ship of Saudi Arabia's rowing as Head Coach and Performance Director. We explore the twists and turns of Matthew’s rich and successful international rowing career, giving insights into training, recovery and mindset which are a goldmine for anyone looking to excel in rowing. Matthew delves into his current role in Saudi Arabia as H...
Sep 03, 2023•2 hr 23 min
In the latest episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the thrills of the preseason, the intricacies of rowing language, the ins and outs of GB trials and the share stories about the legendary Hansa Cup. From recent adventures to the challenges of the sport, this episode captures the chat & banter all in true rowing spirit. We also challenge you to see if you can top our fantasy rowing lineup! So, tune in and join us to see if your strategy, like ours, makes every last stroke count! FOLL...
Aug 27, 2023•1 hr 29 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are joined by Zoe de Toledo - an Olympic silver medallist, former GB Rowing Team cox, Oxford Blue and Leander Club member. From coxing the challenging waters of the Boat Race in 2012 to her memorable time steering for GB in Rio 2016, Zoe provides invaluable insights into the unique role of a cox in top-tier competitions. Beyond the waters, she shares her remarkable journey of resilience, having battled and overcome a brain tumour, and her passion for men...
Aug 20, 2023•2 hr 17 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down for a chat with Olympic silver medallist, a triple Olympian, remarkable member of the GB Rowing Team, and an integral part of the Leander Club - Vicky Thornley. Vicky offers an intimate look into her rowing journey, emphasising her commitment, drive, and the mental tenacity required to master the art of single sculling. From the swift transition to international racing after her first brush with an oar to her historic performance at the Tokyo Ol...
Aug 13, 2023•1 hr 44 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are privileged to host Tim Foster, an Olympic gold and bronze medalist, multiple World Champion, Henley Royal Regatta winner, and a star of the legendary Sydney four crew. A true inspiration and celebrity within the sport, Tim is known for his intellect, wit, and unbreakable spirit that ultimately led him to Olympic glory. He shares his incredible journey of overcoming not one, but two back injuries, which at one point required him to re-learn how to wal...
Aug 06, 2023•3 hr 6 min
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 th...
Jul 30, 2023•3 hr 4 min
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 c...
Jul 23, 2023•2 hr 9 min
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 journ...
Jul 16, 2023•2 hr
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 al...
Jul 08, 2023•2 hr 13 min
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 thou...
Jun 30, 2023•55 min
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 jo...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 41 min
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 in...
Jun 18, 2023•2 hr 22 min
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...
Jun 11, 2023•1 hr 11 min
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 ...
Jun 02, 2023•1 hr 11 min
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 presen...
May 24, 2023•2 hr 40 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with Kara Wirt, the force behind Yoga For Rowers, who has transformed her passion for rowing into a career dedicated to injury prevention and recovery for rowers. A former rower, coach, and cox, Kara has honed her deep understanding of the sport over the past two decades, now specialising in yoga practices specifically designed to complement and enhance rowing performance. Kara shares her journey from the rowing shell to the yoga mat, and provid...
May 18, 2023•1 hr 30 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're excited to have Rory Copus, a renowned coach with a wealth of experience currently leading Wolfson College and Abingdon School. He is a Henley Royal Regatta winner with Oxford Brookes, former GB international cox and a passionate advocate for the sport. Rory's knowledge of the sport shines through as he dives deep into the exciting world of Bumps Racing, traditions, tactics, nuances and strategies. He shares a detailed breakdown of what makes Torpids ...
May 13, 2023•2 hr 47 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're thrilled to chat with The People's Champion, Dave Bell. A Henley Royal Regatta winner, Boat Race winner with Cambridge, and a dedicated club rower, Dave's journey in the sport is both fascinating and inspiring. Dave shares his insights into the importance of continuous learning and never giving up in rowing, regardless of age or level. He discusses his experiences in the sport across all the high-performance programmes that he’s been a part of and als...
May 03, 2023•2 hr
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we explore the often-overlooked power of fun in rowing and how it can enhance performance at all levels of the sport. We discuss the importance of enjoying the process, embracing camaraderie, and fostering a positive team atmosphere. Drawing on our experiences and insights from elite rowers, we highlight how having fun during training and competitions can lead to increased motivation, better teamwork, and ultimately, greater success. We also discuss how thi...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 4 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the essential components of making a successful race day. We share top tips for nutrition, teamwork, and timings, drawing from our collective experiences to help you prepare for and excel on race day. We discuss the importance of proper nutrition and the ideal timing of meals to fuel your performance, as well as the power of strong teamwork, crew bonding and shared objectives in achieving success on the water. Additionally, we explore strategi...
Apr 22, 2023•45 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're delighted to have Susie Dear, a World Cup medalist, multiple Henley Royal Regatta winner, and former Leander Club vice-captain, to discuss overcoming adversity, injuries, and setbacks in the world of rowing. With her wealth of experience, Susie shares her journey through challenges and triumphs, offering insights into the mental and physical resilience needed to bounce back from injuries and hardships. As we dive deep into her story, Susie sheds light...
Apr 15, 2023•1 hr 20 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're thrilled to welcome a World Champion, World Record holder and multiple Henley Royal Regatta winner, the GB Rowing Team’s cox and coach Morgan Baynham-Williams, to discuss the winning habits that have propelled her to the top. Drawing on her extensive experience, Morgan reveals the habits and ways of thinking that have contributed to her incredible success and shares her insights into the world of elite rowing, delving into the mindset, discipline, and...
Apr 12, 2023•2 hr 8 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, join us for a little Touring Q&A as we discuss coxing hacks, pre-race rituals, and shifting systems in rowing. We dive deep on what it takes to be a great cox. You will learn about effective communication, boat control, and race strategy which can enhance your performance. We explore pre-race rituals used by rowers and outline things which you should avoid doing before your competition. We also discuss adapting to new systems in rowing and the importanc...
Apr 05, 2023•48 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're excited to share our motivations behind starting the podcast, give a sneak peek into the topics we'll be covering, and offer a brief background on your hosts. Join us as we discuss the key reasons that led us to create Last Stroke Counts. We believe in the power of personal stories to inspire, motivate, and educate our listeners, and we aim to bring a diverse array of voices from the rowing community and beyond to share their journeys with you. Throug...
Apr 01, 2023•30 min
In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're joined by former Oxford Blues rower and World U23 Champion, Joshua Bowesman-Jones, to dissect the 2023 Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge. With Joshua's experience in the event, we delve deep into the race strategy, key moments, and what set the two teams apart this year. We also discuss the rigorous training and mental preparation required to compete at this prestigious event, and the role of teamwork and camaraderie in achieving success. Through...
Mar 30, 2023•2 hr