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1997 World Rowing Champion | Two-Time Olympian | Head of the Charles | Brown University | USA Rowing What does it take to transition from an Olympic Men's Eight to becoming a World Champion in the Single Scull? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM catches up with American rowing legend Jamie Koven at the iconic Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. Jamie reflects on his remarkable journey from winning World Championship gold in the United States Men's Eight in 1994 to becoming the 1997 World Champion in the Men's Single Sculls, despite having relatively little sculling experience. The conversation explores his Olympic experiences at Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000, the influence of Brown University and American collegiate rowing, and the importance of great coaching, resilience and adapting to new challenges. Jamie also shares his passion for the Head of the Charles, Henley Royal Regatta, the National Rowing Foundation and the future of international rowing. Who Is Jamie Koven? Jamie Koven is an American World Rowing Champion, two-time Olympian and influential member of the international rowing community. A former Brown University rower, Jamie represented the United States at two Olympic Games and achieved World Championship success in both sweep rowing and sculling. His career highlights include: 1994: World Championship gold – Men's Eight. 1996: Atlanta Olympic Games – Men's Eight. 1997: World Championship gold – Men's Single Sculls. 2000: Sydney Olympic Games – Men's Four. Today, Jamie remains actively involved in rowing through the National Rowing Foundation, Henley Royal Regatta, the Koven Training Centre and masters rowing. Why Is This Conversation Important? Jamie's story is about much more than World Championship medals and Olympic Games. It demonstrates the importance of adaptability, perseverance, great coaching and lifelong connections through sport. His transition from the Men's Eight to becoming World Champion in the Single Scull challenges conventional thinking about athlete development and shows what is possible when athletes embrace new opportunities. Jamie also provides valuable insights into the American collegiate rowing system, international athlete pathways, funding high-performance sport and the future of Olympic rowing, including Los Angeles 2028. Perhaps most importantly, this conversation celebrates the rowing community and the friendships that continue long after international competition ends. Episode Highlights Winning the 1997 World Rowing Championships in the Single Scull. Transitioning from the US Men's Eight to international sculling. The highs and challenges of Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. Brown University, Steve Gladstone and American collegiate rowing. International rowing scholarships and athlete development pathways. The National Rowing Foundation and supporting future Olympians. The traditions and community of the Head of the Charles and Henley Royal Regatta. Sharing a lifelong love of rowing with his daughter Lucy. The future of Olympic rowing and Los Angeles 2028. Hosted By: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Jamie Koven Recorded During: Head of the Charles Regatta, Boston, USA Produced By: Nicholas Finster Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Mercantile Radio: Stories, coaching and high-performance insights from across rowing and elite sport.

London 2012 Olympic rowing champion Joseph Sullivan joins three-time Olympic gold medallist Drew Ginn on Mercantile Radio to revisit one of the greatest comebacks in Olympic rowing history. Alongside Nathan Cohen, Joseph won gold for New Zealand in the Men's Double Sculls at the London 2012 Olympic Games, producing an extraordinary final 500-metre sprint to overtake three crews and claim victory. In this episode, Joseph reveals how they developed their remarkable finishing speed, why their contrasting rowing styles became their greatest strength, and how years of high-performance training prepared them for Olympic gold. Beyond London 2012, Joseph reflects on his journey through New Zealand rowing, World Championship success, selection setbacks, athlete burnout, life after elite sport, the America's Cup and his return to competition through coastal rowing and Beach Sprint rowing. Now a firefighter, father and coastal rowing coach, Joseph shares valuable lessons on resilience, teamwork, athlete wellbeing and rediscovering enjoyment in sport. Who is Joseph Sullivan? Joseph Sullivan is a New Zealand Olympic gold medallist, World Rowing Champion and former international sculler, best known for winning the Men's Double Sculls with Nathan Cohen at the London 2012 Olympics. Growing up in Picton, New Zealand, Joseph began rowing after competing in school cross-country running. Despite being told he was too short and too light for international rowing, he progressed through junior and Under 23 competition to become one of New Zealand's most successful Olympic scullers. His career included World Championship victories, Olympic gold and a transition into America's Cup sailing before returning to rowing through the rapidly growing coastal rowing discipline. Today, Joseph works as a firefighter and coaches the next generation of coastal rowing athletes in New Zealand. Why Is This Conversation Important? 1. London 2012: The Olympic rowing comeback Joseph breaks down the final 500 metres of the Men's Double Sculls Olympic final, explaining how he and Nathan Cohen produced their famous finishing sprint and the training methods that made it possible. 2. Rowing technique, training and crew combinations Why Joseph and Nathan succeeded despite different physical strengths, rowing styles and approaches to racing. Discover how complementary abilities, trust and race execution can outweigh conventional expectations. 3. New Zealand's high-performance rowing system From Picton to Lake Karapiro, Joseph reflects on his development within New Zealand rowing, international selection challenges, World Championship success and the training culture behind Olympic performance. 4. Athlete burnout, mental health and life after sport Joseph discusses the challenges of transitioning away from Olympic rowing, navigating selection disappointment and rebuilding purpose and identity through firefighting, family and new opportunities. 5. Coastal rowing and Beach Sprint rowing Discover why Joseph believes coastal rowing offers an exciting future for the sport, from unpredictable racing conditions and beach sprints to junior development and new international pathways. Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Joseph Sullivan OLY Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club Mercantile Radio: Stories, coaching and high-performance insights from across rowing and elite sport.

What separates a good rowing crew from a great one? And how do the world's best coaches turn technique, training and athlete relationships into winning performances? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, three-time Olympic Gold Medallist Drew Ginn sits down with Nick Lloyd, a coach whose career spans Australian schools, clubs and international high-performance sculling. From Newington College, Shore and Melbourne Grammar to Banks Rowing Club, Mercantile Rowing Club and Swiss Rowing, Nick reflects on nearly four decades of coaching. He discusses guiding the Swiss women's quadruple scull to Olympic qualification and European Championship success, exchanging technical insights with Olympic champion Oliver Zeidler, and preparing to work with Germany's women's sculling program on the road to Los Angeles 2028. What makes a boat go faster? Nick explores the relationship between rowing technique, biomechanics, aerobic training, race preparation and crew dynamics. Why does efficient rowing often look effortless? How can relaxation and rhythm coexist with maximum power? And when should coaches challenge conventional approaches to training? The conversation goes beyond boat speed to consider the human side of high-performance sport: trust, communication, individual athlete needs and the importance of creating an environment where rowers can thrive. Who is Nick Lloyd? Nick began rowing at Newington College in 1980, continued at Sydney Rowing Club and represented New South Wales in a youth eight. He started coaching in 1987 and built his experience across leading Australian school and club programs. His achievements include successful school crews, Henley Royal Regatta victories with Banks Rowing Club and international results with the Swiss women's quad. His work has taken him into conversations about elite sculling technique, including slide length, drive sequence, balance and the transfer of power through the boat. Now preparing for a role with Germany's women's sculling program, Nick discusses the challenge of building internationally competitive crews and what the LA 2028 Olympic rowing format, featuring 1,500-metre racing, could mean for selection, training and race strategy. Inside the Episode Technical efficiency, timing and relaxation at race pace The relationship between aerobic conditioning and boat speed Sculling biomechanics, balance and drive sequence Building trust and stronger coach–athlete relationships Developing crews from school rowing to Olympic competition The demands of coaching across different countries and programs Adapting preparation and racing for LA 2028 Nick also reflects on how his coaching philosophy has evolved: listening more closely to athletes, learning from other coaches and recognising that progress requires curiosity as much as expertise. For rowers, coaches and high-performance practitioners, this episode brings practical insights into sculling technique, athlete development, rowing training and Olympic performance, while offering a reminder that the fastest crews don't simply work harder — they learn to move together more effectively. From Sydney Harbour and the Yarra to European Championships and Olympic preparation, this is a conversation about the science and art of moving a boat, the people behind elite performance and a lifelong pursuit of better coaching. Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM OLYGuest: Nick LloydProduced by: Nicholas FinsterPresented by Mercantile Rowing Club Sponsored by: Choice Capital and 776BC

How should rowers fuel for training, racing and recovery? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, sports dietitian Siobhan Crawshay explores rowing nutrition, athlete fuelling, carbohydrates, protein, recovery, energy availability, young rowers and high-performance sport, providing practical advice for athletes, parents and coaches. Three-time Olympic Gold medallist Drew Ginn OAM OLY sits down with Siobhan to discuss what athletes really need to support the demands of rowing. With more than 20 years working in sport and her own experience as a former Mercantile and lightweight rower, Siobhan explains why good sports nutrition isn't about following one formula. It starts with understanding the athlete, their physiology, stage of development, training demands and performance goals. Who is Siobhan Crawshay? From lightweight rower to experienced sports dietitian, Siobhan Crawshay understands athlete nutrition from both sides of the equation. Siobhan has spent more than two decades working with athletes across high-performance sport. Her connection with rowing is also personal. She rowed at school before joining Mercantile Rowing Club, where she was coached by Bill Tait and David “Chipper” Colvin and experienced first-hand the training, competition, culture and community of club rowing. While studying dietetics, Siobhan competed as a lightweight rower, giving her the opportunity to apply what she was learning about nutrition to her own training and performance. That combination of professional expertise and lived experience has shaped an approach centered on understanding the individual athlete. Listeners hear why the science of sports nutrition matters, but also why knowing the athlete, their sport and their goals is essential to putting that science into practice. In this episode Drew and Siobhan explore: Rowing nutrition and athlete fuelling; what rowers need to support training, racing, adaptation and recovery.Fuelling young rowers; balancing the substantial energy requirements of growth and development with a demanding training program.Carbohydrates and rowing performance; why carbohydrates remain an important source of fuel, particularly around bigger training sessions.Protein and supplements; separating genuine nutritional needs from the marketing surrounding high-protein foods and supplements.Energy availability; recognising fatigue, poor recovery and stalled progression as potential signs that an athlete may not be adequately fuelled.Individualised sports nutrition; why athletes in the same boat can require different approaches based on physiology, training history and goals.Growth and development; why school-aged rowers should not simply follow nutrition practices designed for adult high-performance athletes.Sleep and recovery; why nutrition is only one part of the performance equation.Working with athletes; how trust, relationships and understanding the demands of rowing help turn nutrition advice into sustainable behaviours.Siobhan's rowing journey; from school rowing and Mercantile to lightweight competition and a career in sports nutrition. Above all, Siobhan's message is straightforward: fuel the work you are asking your body to do. More training does not automatically produce more improvement. Athletes need sufficient energy, appropriate carbohydrates and protein, quality recovery and sleep to adapt to the work they are doing. An important conversation for rowers, parents and coaches about sports nutrition, athlete health and building sustainable high-performance habits. Hosted by: Drew Ginn Guest: Siobhan Crawshay Produced by: Nicholas Finster Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

From finding his place in rowing to stroking the Australian Eight on the world stage. Fresh from an extraordinary 2026 World Championship bronze medal in the Australian Men’s Eight, Mitch Salisbury joins Drew to discuss one of the fastest eight races ever contested, his journey from school rowing in Queensland to the Australian senior team, and the confidence that has seen him take responsibility in the stroke seat. Mitch provides a fascinating insight into stroking an Australian Eight at World Championship level: staying relaxed at extraordinary speed, trusting the preparation, keeping the rhythm simple and resisting the temptation to overthink the moment. It is also the story of an athlete who didn't necessarily fit the traditional picture of an international rower. Mitch talks openly about not being the biggest athlete, struggling to match some teammates on the erg, and learning to back what he brings to a boat. Who is Mitch Salisbury? Mitch Salisbury is a 23-year-old Australian rower and World Championship medallist whose rise has been built on boat-moving ability, rhythm, persistence and a genuine enjoyment of the sport. Growing up in Central Queensland, Mitch asked to start boarding school early so he wouldn't miss rowing season. He wasn't always the standout athlete and often found himself outside the first crew. What kept bringing him back was simple: he enjoyed rowing with his mates. After school, an unexpected Queensland State Championship result was followed by second at Nationals in the Under 21 pair and eventually the opportunity to represent Australia at Under 23 level. Now part of the senior team, Mitch has developed into a confident stroke-seat athlete. This season, he told coach Nicolo he wanted the opportunity to stroke the Eight at the World Championships — something he admits he wouldn't have had the confidence to do a year earlier. Why Is This Conversation Important? 1. You Don't Have to Look Like the Obvious Athlete Mitch's story will resonate with rowers comparing themselves with bigger, stronger athletes. Rather than accepting he was simply “no good on the erg”, Mitch saw the gap as an opportunity to improve while valuing his ability to move a boat. One measure doesn't have to define you. 2. Confidence Is Something You Build Mitch didn't always see himself as an Australian rower. His confidence developed through racing, coaching and people who believed in him. Eventually, he reached the point where he could say: “I think I'd like to give the stroke seat a crack.” That progression from uncertainty to ownership is one of the strongest themes of the episode. 3. Preparation Creates Freedom to Perform The Australian Eight rehearsed its rhythm, second-half speed and race plan so consistently that by the World Championship final, the crew knew what it could produce. Rather than searching for something new on race day, Mitch could trust the work and race. 4. Great Coaching Doesn't Have to Be Complicated Across his experiences with Scott Rowe, Randall Martin and Nicolo, Mitch returns to simplicity, belief and clarity. He describes coaches who keep messages simple, recognise potential, provide individual feedback and communicate their belief in their athletes. 5. High Performance Needs a Life Outside the Sport While living in Brisbane, Mitch played in a band, giving him a different community and an opportunity to switch off from high-performance rowing. Music remains a creative outlet and a way of maintaining perspective alongside elite sport. You Can Quote Us On That “You have to back yourself in at the end of the day.” “I never really thought I would be rowing in the Australian team.” “Every day is thinking about rowing long. Every stroke.” “There’s so much room for me to improve.” “I’m a boat mover.” Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAMGuest: Mitch SalisburyProduced by: Nicholas FinsterPresented by: Mercantile Rowing ClubSponsored by: Choice Capital and 776BC

From Mercantile to the Olympics and the races that mattered most In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with his former rowing partner Ben Dodwell for a wide-ranging conversation about Australian rowing, Olympic competition, coaching, club culture and the lessons that remain long after the racing stops. Ben reflects on competing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, taking on Steve Redgrave’s legendary British Four, the disappointment of Atlanta 1996, and why he chose to continue towards a home Olympics. He also shares stories from Mercantile, the King's Cup, Henley and some remarkable crews and coaches who shaped his career. Who is Ben Dodwell? Ben Dodwell is an Australian Olympian, former elite rower, business leader and former Rowing Australia board member. His international career included the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, while domestically he was part of a hugely successful era of Victorian King's Cup rowing and came through the strong club culture of Mercantile Rowing Club. Across his career, Ben worked with some of Australian rowing's most influential coaches, including Tim McLaren, Reinhold Batschi, Brian Richardson and Noel Donaldson. Today, he draws heavily on those experiences in business, leadership and his perspective on the future of Australian rowing. Why Is This Conversation Important? Ben's story is about much more than Olympic results. It explores what athletes learn through disappointment, persistence, teamwork and great coaching. After Atlanta 1996, Ben seriously considered walking away from rowing. Instead, with Tim McLaren's encouragement, he rediscovered his enjoyment of moving a boat and ultimately earned the opportunity to race at a home Olympics. Ben also provides an important perspective on the future of Australian rowing, particularly the need to support athletes beyond a single Olympic cycle, strengthen pathways, maintain vibrant clubs and make rowing accessible as a sport for life. You Can Quote Us On That “You’ve got to leave it all in the water.” “The longer you're in the sport, the more likely you are to win a medal.” “You sign on to rowing, you sign on to being an affiliate of a style of person which is extraordinarily valuable in later life.” “If you're thoroughly enjoying something, it becomes really easy.” “How lucky are we?” Why You Should Listen This is a conversation about rowing, resilience, friendship and perspective. Ben provides a fascinating window into a golden era of Australian rowing while also exploring lessons that remain highly relevant for today's athletes and coaches: surround yourself with great people, learn from disappointment, be patient, enjoy what you're doing and recognise the opportunities sport gives you. For anyone connected to Mercantile, Australian rowing, coaching, leadership or Olympic sport, there is plenty in this episode to enjoy. Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Ben Dodwell Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn sits down with Great Britain’s Lauren Henry, fresh from a remarkable World Championships where she became the first British woman to win the World Championship single sculls title. It is a fascinating conversation about racing, resilience, training, belief and the willingness to back yourself. Who is Lauren Henry? Lauren Henry is one of the outstanding young athletes in international rowing. Having progressed through the British Junior and U23 pathway, Lauren made a rapid transition into the senior British team. Her move into the women’s quad proved pivotal, giving her the opportunity to learn how to race and win at the highest level. That journey culminated in Olympic gold in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls at Paris, in one of the most dramatic finishes of the regatta. Lauren has since returned to the boat she always wanted to race; the single scull and established herself at the very top of the event. Her World Championship victory was particularly significant, making her the first British female rower to win the world title in the single scull. Why This Conversation Is Important Lauren's story is about much more than winning Olympic and World Championship gold medals. It is about backing yourself when others are uncertain, learning from setbacks, finding the training approach that works for you and developing the confidence to pursue your own path. Her openness around fuelling, injury, training load and the pressures of elite sport also makes this an especially valuable conversation for young athletes, coaches and parents. And perhaps most importantly, Lauren demonstrates that extraordinary performance doesn't have to remove the enjoyment from sport. Behind the work, kilometres and relentless pursuit of improvement is an athlete who clearly loves rowing — and is determined to find out just how good she can become. In this episode Lauren takes us inside the World Championship final and explains the self-belief required to stay composed when her major rival established an early lead. Rather than panic, Lauren trusted one of her greatest strengths; her ability through the middle and back end of the race. Her season-long goal had been simple: be in front by 1500 metres and leave nothing to chance. A Powerful Conversation About Athlete Health One of the most important parts of the episode is Lauren's openness about nutrition, fuelling and injury. As a younger athlete, Lauren believed being lighter would make her faster. She describes experiencing repeated rib stress injuries before changing her approach to nutrition and becoming stronger and more robust. The result was not simply improved health, her performances improved dramatically because she could finally train consistently. Her message is particularly important for young athletes: being leaner does not necessarily mean performing better; fuelling sufficiently to train, recover and stay healthy matters. The Andy Randell influence Lauren also provides a terrific insight into Australian coach Andy Randell and the environment he has created within the British program. For Lauren, that relationship has become particularly important since moving into the single: although she races alone, she describes Andy as essentially her teammate. Looking towards LA Lauren is already thinking about the next Olympic Games and the shift to 1500-metre racing in Los Angeles. Her ambition extends beyond simply winning. She wants to arrive at the Olympic Games knowing she can manage the pressure, execute her best race when it matters and deliver her performance on the biggest stage. Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Lauren Henry Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

From Olympic heartbreak to World Champion and two-time Olympic medallist. In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with Australian Olympian and World Champion Karsten Forsterling for a wide-ranging conversation about persistence, belief, great crews and a remarkable career in Australian rowing. Karsten’s journey was anything but straightforward. After emerging as a talented junior, he spent years pushing towards his Olympic dream, missing selection, serving as an Olympic reserve and moving between sweep rowing and sculling before finally making his Olympic debut at London 2012 at the age of 32, winning bronze in the Men’s Quadruple Scull. Four years later, he returned at Rio 2016, winning silver in the quad after an undefeated World Cup season. Along the way came a dramatic 2011 World Championship victory in Bled, countless lessons about crew dynamics and some of the most influential coaches and athletes in Australian rowing. At the heart of the conversation is a simple question: what keeps an athlete going when success takes longer than expected? Who is Karsten Forsterling? Karsten Forsterling is an Australian Olympian, World Champion and one of the most persistent athletes of his generation. His international journey began in the late 1990s, including junior and Under 23 representation. After years of near misses, he transitioned from sweep rowing into sculling and became an integral member of Australia’s highly successful quadruple scull program. His career highlights discussed in the episode include: 2011 World Champion – Men’s Quadruple Scull, Bled2012 Olympic Bronze – Men’s Quadruple Scull, London2015 World Championship Silver – Men’s Quadruple Scull2016 Olympic Silver – Men’s Quadruple Scull, Rio2008 Olympic reserve – BeijingMember of the Australian Men’s Eight that qualified for the Tokyo Olympic cycle in 2019. Why Is This Conversation Important? Persistence Matters Karsten’s first Olympic medal came at 32 after years of selection disappointments and setbacks. His story challenges the idea that athletes need immediate results to justify continuing. His message is particularly relevant for young rowers: development takes time, and sometimes the athlete you become later is very different from the athlete you were at 20. Great Crews Need More Than Great Athletes Karsten reflects on the importance of emotional maturity, sacrifice and understanding what each person contributes to a boat. “It’s not just about you.” The episode explores why successful combinations require athletes to understand one another, embrace different personalities and spend enough time together to work through challenges. Belief Needs to Be Tested Karsten talks about the people who encouraged him—but also those who challenged whether he was good enough. One pivotal moment came when he was told he may not be among Australia’s top scullers. Rather than walking away, he used the challenge as motivation and soon after won the selection trials in the single. Great Coaching Can Be Simple The influence of John Driessen features strongly. Karsten describes a coach who combined simplicity with experimentation and innovation. Their technical philosophy centred on allowing the boat to run, continuing its acceleration and avoiding unnecessary movements that interrupt speed. The lesson extended beyond technique: even when something is working, great performers remain prepared to experiment, learn and occasionally fail. You Can Quote Us On That “You get better and better with age.” “It’s not just about you.” “Never, ever, ever give up.” “You also need your resolve tested.” “You’ve got to be prepared to fail.” “I didn’t stick at it for any other reason because I loved it.” And perhaps the line that best captures Karsten’s reflection on a lifetime in rowing: “How lucky am I?” Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Karsten Forsterling Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

From Dimboola to Moscow, World Championship silver and a lifetime in rowing. From a country-town beginning in Dimboola to becoming part of the first Australian women’s rowing crew to compete at an Olympic Games, Pam Westendorf’s story spans an extraordinary period in Australian rowing. Pam joins Drew Ginn OAM to reflect on Moscow 1980 and the Olympic boycott, her World Championship silver medal in 1990, the challenges of lightweight rowing, and more than four decades as an athlete and coach. Above all, it is a conversation about pioneering women’s rowing, resilience, belonging and a lifelong love of the river. Who is Pam Westendorf? Pam Westendorf is an Australian Olympian, World Championship medallist and rowing coach. She represented Australia in its first women’s Olympic rowing crew at Moscow 1980, finishing fifth in the Women's Coxed Four. Ten years later, she won silver at the 1990 World Championships at Lake Barrington in the Lightweight Coxless Four. Pam has since dedicated decades to coaching and developing young rowers, guided by a simple philosophy: help athletes love the sport. Why Is This Conversation Important? Pam’s story captures a pivotal period in the development of Australian women’s rowing. She competed at a time when female rowers had limited funding, support and opportunities, and when some coaches still refused to coach women. Her experience at Moscow also reveals the human impact of the 1980 Olympic boycott, Pam’s crew flew to Europe without knowing whether they would be allowed to compete and returned home without the recognition normally afforded Olympians. Her candid reflections on lightweight rowing also provide an important perspective on athlete health and wellbeing, while her transition into coaching demonstrates the lasting impact great sporting experiences can have across generations. Episode Highlights Starting rowing at Dimboola at 15—and initially hating it.Australia's first women's World Championship crew in 1978.Becoming part of Australia's first women's Olympic rowing crew at Moscow 1980.Finding out two hours into the flight that the team could compete.The impact of the Olympic boycott and finally receiving recognition decades later.The transformation of women's rowing from 1000m to 2000m racing.The difficult realities of becoming a lightweight athlete.Winning World Championship silver at Lake Barrington in 1990.The "one dirty stroke" Pam still remembers from that final.Moving from international athlete to lifelong coach.Why attitude is one of the most important qualities she looks for in young rowers.Why the river remains her "happy place." You Can Quote Us On That “There was no welcome home. There was no send-off. There was no anything.” “We had one dirty stroke. And it was enough.” “I just like helping the girls love rowing. That's my main purpose.” “I think the acceptance of women as rowers is the number one big thing.” “It's my happy place.” Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Pam Westendorf Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

What does it really take to build an Olympic champion crew? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with Canadian sports journalist and author Ed Willes to explore his book The Eight and the remarkable story of Mike Spracklen, Canada's Men's Eight and the journey that ultimately led to Olympic Gold in Beijing. Ed brings a unique perspective to rowing. He isn't a former international rower or coach; he is a storyteller who covered rowing across four Olympic Games and became fascinated by the extraordinary characters, relationships, sacrifice and drama within the sport. Drawing on around 60 interviews, including extensive material gathered by Olympic Champion and photographer Kevin Light, The Eight goes behind the medals to reveal the years of training, disappointment, conflict, resilience and complete commitment required to succeed at the highest level. Who is Ed Willes? Ed Willes is a Canadian sports journalist, columnist and author who spent much of his career with The Vancouver Province. As a general sports columnist, Ed covered everything from Super Bowls and World Series to Stanley Cup Finals, boxing and the Olympic Games. He became the newspaper's dedicated rowing writer across Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, having also experienced rowing at Sydney 2000. What drew Ed to rowing wasn't simply the racing. It was what he describes as the sport's "big themes", the characters, relationships, adversity and inherent drama that make great sporting stories. The Eight is his fifth book and explores Mike Spracklen's influence on Canadian rowing, the athletes who committed themselves to his demanding program, and the experiences that culminated in one of Canada's great Olympic victories. Why Is This Conversation Important? Rowing Needs Great Storytelling: The sport contains every element of a world-class sports narrative—adversity, rivalry, failure, and redemption. Like *The Boys in the Boat*, its stories deserve an audience beyond the rowing community.Failure as a Foundation for Success: After entering Athens 2004 as favorites and finishing fifth, five returning Canadian rowers harnessed that heartbreak to fuel their 2008 victory. Disappointment forged a resolve that erg scores and VO2 metrics cannot quantify.Spracklen’s Simple Coaching Philosophy: Despite the controversies surrounding him, Spracklen's fundamentals were direct: stroke length, stroke power, and stroke rate. His training relied on relentless repetition, competition, and pushing beyond perceived physical limits.The Cost of High Performance: Without major financial incentives, the crew endured brutal winter training and fierce internal rivalry. True excellence demanded going completely "all in."Life Beyond the Boat: Athletes carried their hard-won resilience and discipline into careers as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. As rower Kyle Hamilton noted, it wasn't just rowing he loved, but the qualities rowing brought out in him. You Can Quote Us On That "There are three things that move a boat fast." "Your body is lying to you. It can always do more." "I'm not qualified to make you a better person. I am qualified to make you a better rower." "You don't have to do anything magical on the day. You just have to do your job." "It wasn't rowing itself, but the qualities it brought out in him." Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Ed Willes Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital & 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

With the 2026 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam approaching, Mercantile Radio welcomes back Noel “Don” Donaldson for a walk along the Yarra with Drew Ginn. From the unique characteristics of Amsterdam’s Bosbaan course to the crews and events that could define the Championships, Don provides an insightful preview of the racing ahead. Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of rowing and his recent involvement assisting the Australian Men’s Four, he offers an inside perspective on the Australian team, the international competition and the technical details that can make the difference at a World Championships. But, as is often the case with Don, the conversation goes well beyond the results sheet. The discussion turns to the future of rowing: new racing formats, athlete retention, 1500m racing, beach sprints and why the sport needs to continue evolving if it wants to engage athletes and audiences into the future. Who is Noel Donaldson? Noel “Don” Donaldson ASM is one of Australian rowing’s most experienced and decorated coaches, with a career spanning elite national programs, international rowing and school rowing in Victoria. Still coaching on the water most mornings, Don is currently at Melbourne Grammar and recently returned from working with the Australian Men’s Four ahead of the World Championships. His depth of experience gives him a unique perspective on athlete development, crew selection, technique, racing and the changing landscape of international rowing. Highlights from the Show The Bosbaan - A World Championships Course Like No Other Don takes us inside Amsterdam’s famous Bosbaan, discussing its narrow layout, history, expected tailwinds and the unusual water movement that can create different conditions across the lanes. With forecasts suggesting favourable conditions, the Bosbaan could produce some exceptionally fast racing. The Races to Watch The international racing promises to be fascinating. Don looks at the events and crews that could shape the Championships, including: The Double Sculls, which shapes as one of the standout events.The highly competitive Men’s Pair, featuring strong New Zealand, Romanian and Australian combinations.Whether Oliver Zeidler could challenge the world best time if conditions are right.The unknown quantity of the American men following a different preparation built around small boats.The strength of the British, Romanian and Dutch programs heading into Amsterdam. Inside the Australian Team Having recently assisted the Australian Men’s Four overseas, Don shares his perspective on how the Australian team is positioned heading into the Championships. The discussion includes the Men’s Four, the change to the Men’s Quad following Hamish Danks’ back injury, the progression of the women’s squad and the rhythm developing within both Australian Eights. Where Does Rowing Go Next? The conversation broadens into an important discussion about the future of the sport. Don and Drew explore Beach Sprints, 1500m racing, Henley Royal Regatta, the Head of the Charles, the Golden Hour and mixed events as examples of how rowing can offer different and more engaging forms of competition. Don’s message is clear: rowing needs to consider genuinely different events and structures rather than simply modifying the traditional six-lane, 2000-metre format. Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Noel Donaldson ASM Produced by Nicholas Finster Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC

What happens when you swap the podcast studio for a walk along the Yarra? In this return episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM catches up with Scott Rowe for a wide-ranging “walk and talk” about his first season coaching at Mercantile, the club’s European campaign, Henley Royal Regatta, athlete development, technology, racing and the art of making boats go fast. Following a season of strong performances at the Australian Championships, athletes progressing to national teams and three Mercantile crews travelling to Europe, Scott reflects on what he has learned - and what comes next. From the value of small boats to the dangers of becoming obsessed with watts, this is a conversation about coaching what is in front of you, developing adaptable athletes and creating an environment where people learn by doing. Who is Scott Rowe? Scott Rowe is an experienced Australian rowing coach and a key member of the coaching team at Mercantile Rowing Club. Across a long coaching career, Scott has worked with athletes at school, club, pathway and national-team level. His approach centres on developing technically capable athletes, building strong relationships and giving rowers the skills to make boats move across different combinations and boat classes. Since joining Mercantile, Scott has played an important role in developing the club’s emerging athletes and strengthening its connection with Australia’s national pathway. Why Is This Conversation Important? 1. Small Boats Build Better Rowers Scott is a strong believer in developing athletes through pairs and small boats. Rather than spending an entire season preparing an eight, small boats teach athletes how to move a boat, take responsibility for their rowing and develop the technical foundations required at the highest level. 2. Data Is Powerful — If You Understand It Watts. Boat speed. Angles. Length. Telemetry. Technology is becoming increasingly important in rowing, but Scott cautions against allowing one number to dominate coaching. Bigger wattage doesn’t necessarily mean a faster boat. The challenge is understanding what the data means and connecting it with what you see and feel on the water. As the conversation reminds us: Ergs don’t float. 3. Every Great Crew Needs an Enabler Not every athlete who makes a boat faster has the biggest erg score. Scott and Drew explore the idea of the “enabler” — the athlete whose rhythm, length and feel allows everyone around them to perform better. Crew selection is about finding combinations, not simply ranking individuals by physical metrics. 4. Athletes Learn by Racing One of Scott’s biggest lessons from Henley was the value of racing itself. Training prepares athletes physically and technically, but competition teaches them to respond to pressure, make decisions, fight when they are behind and understand themselves as competitors. Every time you’re on the start, you learn something. 5. Coaching Is About People With established athletes, coaching isn’t necessarily about rebuilding their rowing. It becomes about small technical adjustments, relationships, understanding personalities and knowing which button to press at the right moment. The higher the level, the more important the human side of coaching becomes. You Can Quote Us On That “Ergs don’t float.” “You need an enabler in every boat.” “Every time you’re on the start, you learn something.” “The boat beside you becomes the coach.” “You don’t need to spend all of your time in a big boat in order to make a big boat go quick.” “Rowing is a personality-driven sport.” “Length and loose.” Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAMGuest: Scott Rowe, Mercantile Head Coach and Australian Team CoachProduced by: Nicholas FinsterSponsored by Choice Capital and 776BCPresented by Mercantile Rowing Club

What does it take to build one of the world's most successful school rowing programs? In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn sits down with Bobby Thatcher, Head of Rowing at St Paul's School in London, to explore the philosophy that has produced multiple Henley Royal Regatta victories, generations of international athletes, and a coaching culture centred on curiosity, ownership and continuous improvement. Bobby shares the technical principles behind fast boats, the importance of athlete buy-in, how data supports, but never replaces feel, and the profound personal experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy. From racing at the Atlanta Olympics to missing selection for Sydney 2000, this is an honest conversation about resilience, leadership and why great coaching is about developing people as much as producing results. Who is Bobby Thatcher? Bobby Thatcher is one of the most respected school rowing coaches in the world. As Head of Rowing at St Paul's School (London) for the past 15 years, Bobby has transformed the program into one of Britain's most successful schoolboy rowing programs, winning multiple Henley Royal Regatta titles while consistently producing athletes who progress to Great Britain and leading university rowing programs. Before joining St Paul's, Bobby spent six years developing the rowing program at Latymer School. As an athlete, he represented Great Britain at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games in the double scull alongside James Cracknell, competed at the 1999 World Championships, and was coached by the legendary Harry Mahon, whose influence continues to shape Bobby's coaching philosophy today. Why This Conversation is important 1. Great Programs Are Built on Culture, Not Just Winning Bobby explains that every crew is different. Success doesn't come from repeating last year's formula—it comes from understanding the personalities, strengths and motivations of each new group of athletes. His message is clear: sustained success is built through relationships, trust and culture. 2. Coaching Is About Creating Ownership Rather than simply instructing athletes, Bobby believes the best coaches help athletes understand why they row the way they do. By creating genuine ownership and encouraging athletes to solve problems together, crews become more connected, more resilient and ultimately faster. 3. Technical Excellence Is About Protecting Boat Speed Throughout the conversation Bobby repeatedly returns to one simple principle: Don't damage the boat. From Harry Mahon's influence through to modern biomechanics and telemetry, Bobby explains why the fastest crews move efficiently, stay relaxed and maintain rhythm rather than forcing the boat through the water. 4. Failure Can Become Your Greatest Teacher One of the most powerful moments of the episode is Bobby's honest reflection on missing selection for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Rather than defining him negatively, that experience shaped the compassionate, transparent and athlete-centred coach he became. His story reminds us that setbacks often become the foundation of great leadership. 5. Rowing Builds Better People Beyond medals and trophies, Bobby believes rowing teaches resilience, delayed gratification, teamwork and self-awareness. His measure of success isn't simply winning Henley—it's seeing former athletes continue rowing, thriving at university and becoming better people. You Can Quote Us On That "Don't damage the boat." "Every crew has a different personality." "The best coach is yourself." "Kids should row because they love rowing." "Winning is never guaranteed." "The process has to be fair." "You don't build great programs on your own." Hosted by Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Bobby Thatcher Produced by Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

What separates Olympic champions from the rest of the field? According to Alex Hill OAM, it isn't bigger erg scores or harder training, it is clarity. In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Olympic Gold Medallist Alex Hill OAM joins Drew Ginn OAM for an insightful conversation about three Olympic campaigns, the lessons learned from winning and losing, and why Australia's success in Tokyo was built on a simple philosophy: know exactly how you want to row. From growing up on the Murray River to winning Olympic Gold in Tokyo, Alex reflects on the coaches who shaped him, the evolution of Australian rowing, the pursuit of technical excellence, and why he's still chasing improvement after three Olympic Games. Whether you're an athlete, coach or rowing enthusiast, this conversation offers an honest look inside the mindset of one of Australia's most accomplished sweep rowers. Who is Alex Hill? Alex Hill OAM is one of Australia's most accomplished sweep rowers. An Olympic Gold Medallist in the Men's Four at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Olympic Silver Medallist from Rio 2016, World Champion and multiple World Cup winner, Alex has represented Australia across three Olympic Games and has become a cornerstone of the Australian Men's Sweep Team. Growing up in South Australia's Riverland before attending Prince Alfred College, Alex progressed through junior and Under 23 rowing to become one of Australia's most respected athletes. Today he continues his international career racing in the Men's Pair alongside fellow Adelaide Rowing Club member Angus Dawson while mentoring the next generation of Australian rowers. Why This Conversation Matters 1. Olympic Success Is Built on Clarity Alex shares one of the most compelling insights of the episode: Tokyo wasn't won because Australia trained harder, it was won because everyone knew exactly how they wanted to row. The squad shared one technical philosophy, allowing athletes to move seamlessly between crews while maintaining speed and consistency. 2. Great Coaches Teach Principles, Not Just Technique Throughout his career Alex worked with Johnny Driessen, Tim Conrad, Chris O'Brien and Ian Wright. Despite their different personalities, each reinforced the same fundamental lesson: Move the boat further on every stroke. It's a reminder that great coaching focuses on timeless principles rather than constant technical change. 3. Failure Can Become the Foundation for Success Alex openly reflects on the disappointment of Paris and contrasts it with Tokyo. Rather than blaming fitness or effort, he believes the Australian squad gradually lost clarity around its identity and rowing style. It's an honest discussion about how elite teams recover, learn and rebuild. 4. Olympic Finals Are Won Before Race Day When asked what he thinks about on an Olympic start line, Alex's answer is surprisingly simple: Stay calm. Trust the work. Trust the process. Years of preparation allow athletes to treat the Olympic Final as simply another opportunity to execute. 5. Rowing Is About Continuous Learning Even after three Olympic Games, Alex still sees himself as a student of the sport. Whether coaching beginners, racing a pair, or learning from teammates and coaches, he believes improvement comes from remaining curious and coachable. You Can Quote Us On That "Trust the work. Trust the process." "Don't let the boat slow down." "Everyone has big ergs. The difference is how far you move the boat." "I still feel like I've got more to give." "The day I stop enjoying it is probably the day I retire." Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Alex Hill OAM Produced by Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club

From being cut from the US National Team to becoming a World Champion. Teal Cohen's story is one of resilience, belief and relentless consistency. In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Teal shares how one phone call changed her mindset, why consistency beats intensity, and how the USA Women's Four rebuilt itself into World Champions. An inspiring conversation for athletes, coaches, leaders and anyone striving to improve. Who is Teal Cohen OLY? Teal Cohen is one of the rising stars of USA Rowing and a member of the 2025 World Championship-winning Women's Four. A Paris 2024 Olympian in the Women's Quadruple Scull and NCAA Champion with the University of Washington, Teal has become known for her resilience, relentless work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement. After the disappointment of the Paris Olympic Games, she rebuilt her confidence, transformed her physical performance and helped lead the United States back to the top of the world in sweep rowing. Today she trains full-time at the US High Performance Centre in Princeton while balancing a professional career outside rowing. Why This Conversation Matters What do you do after your Olympic dream doesn't go the way you hoped? For Teal Cohen, the answer was simple: go back to work. Following the Paris Olympics, Teal returned to the USA sweep squad alongside teammates carrying similar disappointment. Less than a year later they stood together as World Champions. Resilience After SetbackOlympic disappointment became the motivation rather than the end of the journey. Teal explains how setbacks can become powerful fuel for future success. The Power of Great CoachingOne phone call from her former college coach completely changed her perspective after missing selection. Instead of sympathy, she received belief, clarity and a plan. Consistency WinsRather than chasing miracle sessions, Teal focused on showing up every day. A disciplined winter of training resulted in an eight-second improvement on her 2km erg. Building Championship CultureThe USA Women's Four developed trust through everyday training, shared challenges and enjoying difficult sessions together. Trust Before PerformanceChampionship crews are built long before race day. Trust is created through countless sessions where teammates consistently show up for one another. Individualised High PerformanceUSA Rowing is embracing sports science and personalised training programs, recognising that athletes respond differently and perform best with individual support. Looking Towards LA 2028With Los Angeles on the horizon, Teal discusses why the current Olympic cycle is the ideal time to experiment, learn and continue building speed. You can quote us on that "You have nine months until Olympic selection. That's plenty of time." "The easiest way to get faster is to keep doing what you're doing—consistently." "To walk away as a World Champion after a less-than-great Olympic experience was just awesome." "The most important thing in any boat is trusting the people you're rowing with." "With success comes so many losses that people never see." Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Teal Cohen USA Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club