1. What inspired you to go to your first rowing practice; was there anything memorable about it? I needed the exercise and didn't fancy spending another term being used as a tackle bag in rugby. The memorable part was being told I was in the remedial group and wouldn't be needed on the water for at least 2 months, whilst I got to grips with the fact that rowers go backwards and not forwards as I demonstrated in the rowing the tank the first time I got in one.
2. Was there a practice, race or other event when you fell in love with the sport, or when you knew you might not be too bad at rowing? When you thought you could make the national team? Winning the junior 16 singles sculls at the Irish championships in 1999 was a real high light for me and made me think I could one day go all the way to national team.
3. Best race/practice, worst race/practice? Semi final of the diamond sculls in 2003 against Simon good brand and again in 2009 against double olympic champion Olaf Tufte. I felt absolutely unbeatable that day and even being behind coming into the last 250 metres I knew I would win it. Probably not my worst but because it's still fresh in my mind would probably be the last world cup in Munich, I felt like I was stuck in 2nd gear and no matter what I tried I could get going. It's the only medal I feel I didn't deserve to get.
4. Best/Anything you've done in the sport no one knows about? I've visited around 30 schools to help motivate and inspire young people of all ages. Something I'm hugely proud of and feel is a duty as a role model in sport. I'm hoping that I might have inspired a future Olympian or 2.
5. Any/Most important advice for young rowers? My coach would say enjoy the water, enjoy the learning, enjoy the feeling of fitness and enjoy your rowing friends. I would say find something that motivates you and use it to keep you determined.
Hometown: Coleraine, Northern Ireland
Club Affiliation: Tideway Scullers' School
Date of Birth: 5/9/83
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 210
Undergraduate Education: Coleraine Academical Institution for Boys
Current Coaches: Bill Barry
Years on National Team: Nine - 2003, Under 23; 2005-12, Senior
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