Year 11 HMSG rower, Elena, recently spent the day with Sir Matthew Pinsent.  Elena writes:

On Monday the 24^th of September, I was given an amazing opportunity to attend a training day with four times Olympic Rowing Champion Sir Matthew Pinsent, at the Leander club in Henley. It was an experience I will never forget.

In the morning we met at 10am before going on a guided tour, round the luxurious club and on to the more practicality-based boathouse and gym. We tried a brief spell on the ergos before pushing off in a quad.

The highlight of the day was when Sir Matthew suggested that we go out in a double. I was amazed. I didn’t have to stop for a moment to consider my answer – I was in – definitely in!!

Doubling with Sir Matthew was incredible – even with all he’s achieved, he’s a really down-to-earth, straight forward nice guy. He gave me lots of hints and tips, and pointers for my technique.

After training we all went for lunch inside Leander. Sir Matthew was very friendly, laughing and joking throughout the meal, and then Sir Steve Redgrave (five times Olympic champion) walked in – I couldn’t believe it – I was talking to the most successful rowing partnership Britain has ever seen.

I had an absolutely incredible morning, meeting two of the most inspiring figures in the rowing world and rowing with Sir Matthew Pinsent is something that will be a treasured memory, and something I would do again in a heartbeat.

Elena, Year 11