The future's bright...... an interview with Will Satch
In the run-up to London 2012, the rowing press was dominated with stories speculating on the medal prospects of the sport’s big names – Andrew Triggs-Hodge, Katherine Grainger, Pete Reed... In the aftermath of the games, against expectation, two relatively unheard-of young British rowers have become household names.
On Friday 3rd August, Will Satch and George Nash in the Men’s Pair stormed into Bronze medal position at Eton Dorney with the home crowd roaring in their ears. On his return to his hometown of Henley-on-Thames, Conveyancing Data Services caught up with Will to talk about how it feels to be an Olympic Medallist:
CDS- Congratulations! Has it sunk in yet?
WILL- It's been fairly flat out since the race, but attending the closing ceremony and then coming home, it is beginning to feel real.
What are you up to at the moment?
Just back from the village this afternoon and off to get a tattoo!
We didn't celebrate straight away as we were caught up with the media for interviews. However, once we got to the village we had a week of VIP partying in London which was hugely exciting.
Have you always wanted to be a professional rower?
No, not always. I played a lot of rugby and tried to row at the same time. The injuries I picked up in rugby would keep me out of a boat which was frustrating leading up to Trials. I had to choose between them and went with rowing for my last year at school. After A levels I decided to row full time for a year, deferring university, to see whether or not I could be good enough to really make the cut.
What have been your biggest career highs and lows to date?
The biggest high is most certainly winning an Olympic medal.
One of the worst recent lows was sustaining a hip injury about two months before the Games and seriously thinking I may not be fit enough to race.
How did you cope with the pressure of race day?
We tried to treat the final like any other race, not over think it and allow our sub consciousnesses to take over. One can't make technical changes at that stage-all that has been done in training. The idea is to keep it loose and long and keep the head in neutral.
What was your Olympic training schedule like?
Three sessions a day, 7 days per week. We cover about 210kms per week. As we approached the Olympic regatta the intensity increases but the mileage decreases.
What do you eat in the run-up to a big regatta/event?
Nothing different to usual really. Maybe a little more lean white meat and pasta, but our diet is very balanced and rowing specific anyway.
What sacrifices do you have to make in your day-to-day life to accommodate your career?
The hardest part is the long camps, being away from family and friends.
Girlfriends have to be very understanding. I was home for one night in 7 weeks in the build up to the Olympic Regatta.
There is supposed to be absolutely no partying during the season...I sometimes sneak a cheeky one in! I deal with it by making the very most of my time when I'm away from the lake.
What is your relationship with George like?
We have a very close friendship built on trust and respect. We've known each other since we were 14 years old. Sharing such intense times makes us closer. We don't argue or fall out.
Do you think your pairing with George Nash was instrumental in your success?
Yes, most definitely. We were trialled in a pairs matrix and we just clicked, we went fast together. Speed is all that matters.
How will your life change now that you're a Team GB medal winner?
I will receive more funding, which will make life more comfortable and allow me to support myself better. It has also boosted my confidence for the future.
What habits or traits do you have that help you to be such a successful athlete?
Staying focussed. Having the ability to switch off when I'm away from rowing and, importantly having fun racing, really enjoying it rather than torturing every stroke and stressing about it all.
What's your perfect day off?
Pretty normal stuff. Walking the dog, curry with the boys, hanging out with friends.
We wish Will all the best for the start of the new season in September and look forward in anticipation to Rio in 2016!
Conveyancing Data Services proudly sponsor Will Satch, GB Rower and Olympic Bronze Medallist
