Mercantile Radio

1997 World Rowing Champion | Two-Time Olympian | Head of the Charles | Brown University | USA RowingWhat 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 HighlightsWinning 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 OAMGuest: Jamie KovenRecorded During: Head of the Charles Regatta, Boston, USAProduced By: Nicholas FinsterPresented by Mercantile Rowing ClubSponsored by Choice Capital and 776BCMercantile 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 comebackJoseph 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 combinationsWhy 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 systemFrom 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 sportJoseph 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 rowingDiscover 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 OAMGuest: Joseph Sullivan OLYProduced by: Nicholas FinsterSponsored by Choice Capital and 776BCPresented by Mercantile Rowing ClubMercantile 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 EpisodeTechnical efficiency, timing and relaxation at race paceThe relationship between aerobic conditioning and boat speedSculling biomechanics, balance and drive sequenceBuilding trust and stronger coach–athlete relationshipsDeveloping crews from school rowing to Olympic competitionThe demands of coaching across different countries and programsAdapting preparation and racing for LA 2028Nick 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 CrawshayProduced by: Nicholas Finster Presented by Mercantile Rowing ClubSponsored 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 AthleteMitch'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 BuildMitch 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 PerformThe 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 ComplicatedAcross 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 SportWhile 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