I’m someone who grew up not knowing exactly where I was heading, but always looking for more from myself.

I was happy, but determined. Content, but always hungry. I knew there was more.

That search led me into the sport of rowing, where I became a double Olympic gold medallist.

The path wasn’t smooth.

Along the way I failed, hit setbacks and faced moments where quitting would have been easier. But through perseverance, curiosity and a willingness to keep learning, I eventually reached the goals I’d set.

That journey taught me far more than how to win races.

It shaped how I think about effort, balance, teamwork, resilience and what it really means to perform well over the long term.

These lessons later found their way into my book, Dadventures, published by HarperCollins in 2018. It’s a reflection on fatherhood, ambition, adventure and navigating life both on and off the water.

Life as an athlete has taken me far beyond racing itself.

Rowing opened doors I never could have planned - from the steady, often unglamorous work of daily training, to experiences at the edges of comfort.

I’ve rowed in the Arctic, faced environments where conditions demand respect, patience and presence and learned that performance isn’t just about pushing harder, but about staying calm, prepared and adaptable when things feel uncertain.

Those experiences continue to shape how I approach challenge, fatherhood and life.

I’m a father of three. Being a dad continues to be one of my greatest teachers.

I love being outdoors. I have a deep interest in wildlife and I’m endlessly fascinated by the small things we often rush past - changing light, animal behaviour, the rhythm of the natural world.

Nature keeps me grounded, curious and present.