OLYMPIC GLORY

The final word

Australian rower Alex Hill will make his second Olympic appearance at the Tokyo Games. The Australian men’s four stroke, originally from South Australia, is preparing for an Olympic campaign like no other and gives us an insight into the preparation and why he loves pushing himself in rowing. Rockhampton hosted the Australian Olympic rowing team for their final training before departing for Tokyo.

Alex Hill

AUSTRALIAN MEN’S FOUR How would you describe this Olympic campaign compared to your previous Olympic experience at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in Brazil?

Well firstly, this campaign has obviously been longer, stretching over five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s been a challenging time with the postponement of the Games, but I’d say that the extra year has helped us to be better prepared. The other major difference in how we’ve prepared for this campaign, in that, since 2016, we’ve been in a centralised programme, with us training as full-time paid athletes.

Any advice for students chasing their sporting dreams?

I would say, continue to strive to be better, don’t set limits on yourself and take on advice and support from those around you.

“We took the approach that the goal posts had simply been moved, and held the strong belief that the Games were still going to take place, just a year later.”

How have you managed to keep on top of your training, both physically and mentally, with so many uncertainties leading into the Olympics?

We took the approach that the goal posts had simply been moved, and held the strong belief that the Games were still going to take place, just a year later. However, with the understanding if it wasn’t to happen, that there is more to life than simply the Olympics – the COVID-19 pandemic has been a huge thing over the last year and half and it being bought under control was the main thing that needed happen.

There are students rowing across the country who aspire to be the best they can be, how would you describe yourself when you were rowing at school?

I rowed at school for fun and enjoyed being part of the rowing team, but then as I got older I realised rowing could open up opportunities for me and so I then refocused my attention on racing competitively.

What keeps you in the sport of rowing?

There’s a few things that keep me in the sport, but I’d say camaraderie and team mates are two factors and also trying to achieve the goals I’ve set myself over the years. I want to continue to improve as an athlete. Alex Hill, from Loxton in South Australia, made his Olympic rowing debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games in Brazil, winning a silver medal in the men’s four event. Alex has also won gold medals with the Australian men’s four at both the 2017 and 2018 World Championships. Photograph courtesy of Rowing Australia.