Last Stroke Counts

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the world of sports and business with Humphrey Cobbold, the CEO of PureGym, the largest and most successful gym chain in the UK. Humphrey shares insights into the transferable skills between sports and business, emphasising leadership, team dynamics, and the innovative mindset that has propelled PureGym to the forefront of the fitness scene. We...

Grab your copy of Drop The Struggle 👉 Amazon In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the mental aspect of rowing with a sports psychologist Dr. Alison Maitland, co-author of her latest book — ”Drop the Struggle." Dr. Maitland shares her journey into the world of rowing, unravelling why this sport offers a unique canvas for psychological exploration. Drawing from her recent book,...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we bring you the 2nd part of our chat with Martin Cross. We continue our deep dive into the illustrious career of an Olympic champion and the renowned voice of rowing.  Martin shares the latter half of his journey, from competing in his third and fourth Olympics to his seamless transition into the world of commentating. Reflecting on the evolution of rowing,...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are honoured to host a true rowing luminary, Martin Cross, a quadruple Olympian, Olympic Champion, and the esteemed voice of World Rowing. Martin, with his iconic voice, has been at the heart of rowing commentary, bringing races to life for fans around the globe. His journey through the sport offers a unique window into the evolution of rowing over the pas...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are thrilled to welcome back our beloved returning guest, The People's Champion, Dave Bell. Known for his remarkable rowing career and insightful perspectives, Dave shares his experiences and advice on life after rowing, preparing for the transition, and setting new challenges. Dave delves into what rowers can do during their careers to better prepare...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we bring you a delightful roundtable panel of Brookes rowing legends Alex Partridge, Al Heathcote & Ben Lewis. Alex and Al, who clinched silver together at the Beijing Olympics in the men's eight, reunite with Ben to share a treasure trove of hilarious stories from their illustrious rowing careers. Al Heathcote, currently the General Manager of Leande...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we delve into the genesis of The Winning Cox (WOX) with 2 of its founding mentors, Morgan Baynham-Williams and Zoe de Toledo, both incredibly accomplished coxes and previous guests on our show. Morgan and Zoe unravel the origin story of WOX, sharing their motivations for creating a platform dedicated to coxing excellence. They discuss the critical gap in trai...

Contact Anne for Henley Women's Regatta enquiries at: crew@hwr.org.uk In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are joined by Anne Buckingham, the beloved crew liaison of Henley Women's Regatta and an integral member of the Love Rowing charity. Anne, a familiar figure in the rowing community, shares her extensive experience and heartfelt dedication to the sport. Anne takes us through the i...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're excited to sit down with Tom Jost, the Director of Rowing at Claire's Court School. Known as Josty around the circuit, he's not just a respected figure in UK rowing, but also a brilliant coach whose guidance has led to Henley Royal Regatta victories for both boy's and girl's crews at Claire's Court in 2016 & 2022. Tom shares...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with Steve O'Connor, the director of the River & Rowing Museum in Henley-on-Thames. Steve is at the forefront of transforming the institution, bringing a fresh wave of innovation and investment to the world’s largest rowing museum. Steve shares with us the joys and challenges of running and managing a collection of 35,000+ rowing items. We...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're thrilled to sit down with Matt Aldridge, an Oxford Brookes legend, a World and double European Champion in the Men's Four from the GB Rowing Team. Matt's remarkable journey from Henley Royal Regatta triumphs to dominating the 2023 season unbeaten is a story of dedication, skill, and unwavering perseverance. Matt walks us through his rowing b...

In this special episode of Last Stroke Counts, we bring together a full Rowgear roundtable line-up featuring Morgan Baynham-Williams, Susie Dear, Joshua Bowesman-Jones, and Arthur Clark. This lively panel discussion veers away from our usual format for a bit of that classic rowing chat. Each panellist brings their own unique perspective to the table. We talked about everything spanning winning, si...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're excited to share our conversation with Lebby Eyres, a former Oxford Blue, accomplished freelance journalist, daring Atlantic rower, and the CEO of The Health Lottery. Her story is one of remarkable versatility, grit and enduring passion for rowing. Lebby takes us on a journey through her career, starting from the waters of Oxford to the challenges s...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're joined by Charles Cousins, an Olympian, World Championship medalist in Beach Sprints, and a true powerhouse in the world of rowing. Known for his incredible strength and resilience, Charles has been a crucial part of the GB Men's Quad, leaving his mark between Beijing & Rio, including the memorable London 2012 Home Games. Charles walks us th...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we sit down with John Ewans and Joe Edwards, the duo behind Active Tools which since 2002 has been at the forefront of developing technology, accessories, and products for the rowing community. John and Joe guide us through their journey, highlighting the intricacies, challenges and breakthroughs in bringing tech to rowing. We discuss the crucial role of tech...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we are joined by the remarkable Imogen Grant who’s an Olympian plus a double World & European Champion and multiple Boat Race winner for the Light Blues. Outside of the sport, she’s a Cambridge alumna and a qualified doctor. Imogen's journey is a testament to her unparalleled dedication and talent in both academics and athletics. Her story is nothing...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're featuring Ben Wellburn, British Rowing Performance Development Coach, who has guided teams like Hereford Cathedral School from underdog status to consistent national contenders. At the helm, he has led his athletes to earning their first GB vests. Ben's story is one of passion & innovation. In our conversation, Ben unpacks his coaching philo...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we have the pleasure of speaking with Erin Kennedy, a current Paralympic & World Champion and World Record Holder in PR3 Mix4+. Not just a successful cox at the GB Rowing Team and Leander Club, Erin is also a former Oxford Blue, a mentor with WOX (The Winning Cox), and a recent survivor of breast cancer. Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable. F...

In this episode of "Last Stroke Counts," we are thrilled to welcome the freshly crowned World Champion in women's quad, Lola Anderson, who has her eyes set on the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.  With an impressive collection of accolades, including victories at the Henley Royal Regatta, Wingfield Sculls, and topping the GB Trials in her single scull, Lola is a force to be reckoned wit...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we dive deep with the co-founder of Feather & Square and three-time U23 World Champion - Miles Beeson. Having rowed at the prestigious Yale and with a collection of gold medals to his name, Miles offers a unique perspective on the rigours and rewards of elite rowing both in the UK and US.  He sheds light on the ethos, discipline, and camaraderie instilled...

In the episode of Last Stroke Counts, we’re pleased to chat with Kieran Clark of Clark Performance Rowing who’s a renowned coach that has led numerous crews to victories at World Rowing Championships. Kieran now channels his vast expertise as an online coach, benefiting not just rowers but also people in the CrossFit community. He provides a goldmine of insights on how to elevate performance, offe...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we have the privilege to chat with the Cambridge University Women's Chief Coach, Paddy Ryan. With over a decade of dedicated work at Cambridge, Paddy has not only led his squads to a remarkable clean sweep victory last year but has also ingrained a culture of excellence. Paddy gives us an insider’s look into what goes into creating a winning machine as we...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we connect with the creator of Edge Rowing, Jack Burns. Drawing on his experience rowing for the GB Rowing Team, Jack takes on coaching in the digital realm. With Edge Rowing, he has transformed the game, empowering busy professionals and passionate rowers alike to improve their techniques, optimise their mindsets, and ultimately, secure more victories. We al...

In this episode of Last Stroke Counts, we're pleased to chat with Alan Sinclair, an Olympian, current Director of Rowing at the University of St. Andrew's, Henley Royal Regatta winner, and a key member of the GB rowing team in the last decade. Al shares profound insights into the secret sauce of longevity, facing adversities and developing resilience in the sport of rowing whilst enjoying...

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'...