NSW Australian Athletes - Hugh McLeod

Athlete Profile: week three

Returning for another year in the Australian Under 23 Rowing Team, this week I spoke to Hugh McLeod amidst his preparations for the Under 23 World Championships in Scotland later this year. He is already a familiar face amongst the NSW rowing community with his friendly manner, relaxed approach and of course that akubra and whip. This year, his third in the same event — the Under 23 men’s lightweight quad, provides with it a range of old and new challenges including relocation, the cold of Tasmania, and the pressures of improving on last year’s bronze medal. 

Where are you training, in what squad and who with?

We are based in Hobart but all the on-water stuff is done in Franklin. I’m with the Under 23 lightweight men’s squad and I’m back in the Quad.

After being in the Under 23 team already for two years running, does it get easier to relocate?

Each year is different and offers new challenges. You think you know what you’re doing and then something unexpected pops up.

As one of the most experienced members of the Under 23 team, do you feel as though you should assume a leader-type position?

No. Leaders are leaders regardless of experience.

What’s the biggest misconception about your rowing background?

I suppose that Newcastle isn’t known for its rowing. The history of rowing in Newcastle is strong enough to equal that of anywhere in Australia.

In 2005 you guys came 5^th and last year you came 3^rd‑ do you feel any expectations or pressure to keep getting better? What do you hope to do differently?

I suppose that there is an expectation for us to medal if not win, especially as we have three from last year’s crew returning for the same event. I think we need to work on the middle of the race. That’s where we fell behind last year.

So far what are the good and bad aspects of training in Tassie?

It’s good that we have the Franklin River to train on. It’ mostly flat and has lots of nice long straight sections. Also John Driessen is our Coach this year and he has a good record. Being so isolated makes things a little difficult; it’s over 30km to the boat shed. I’m used to being only a mile from the shed!

What is the coaching like and how is it different from training back home?

It’s hard to compare any coaching from an Australian team to Newcastle Rowing Club. I did have an excellent coach in Daniel Bishop but he did have his own personal commitments, so I would mostly follow the program he gave me without him actually being there. About six months ago he moved to Sydney so since then I have been looking after myself with some occasional help from some of the Sydney based coaches.  

How do you approach a long campaign such as this one both mentally and physically?

I find the best thing to do is keep your head down, do what you’re told and when the time comes, do your duty on the course. You have to be prepared to give away anything that does not directly benefit your rowing.

How much of a role does weight play in things to worry about/concerns?

I have never really had any concerns with weight but I do monitor it regularly.

How cold is it really in Tassie?

Last year set a new standard of what cold is to me when we had ice form on the oars whilst we were rowing. It hasn’t got that cold yet but I am wearing 3 layers minimum each session.

How competitive is the group? Is that good or bad?

Everyone has their own stand out strengths and we are fairly competitive amongst ourselves. All in good spirit though. I think it’s a good thing.    

What are you doing throughout the days when you are not rowing?

Usually recovering. I try to switch off from rowing for a bit. Usually end up going over in my head what I can do to improve. 

What do you hope will be different from your previous years?

This year I hope to win.

What do you hope will be similar to other years?

I hope it doesn’t kill me!

What are you most worried about?

I’m worried about not having something to worry about. That’s when you get complacent.

What are you looking forward to the most?

Scotland. With a name like McLeod it’s like a calling.

What are your short-term goals?

I want to see improvements in every session.

What do you hope to learn about yourself from all this?

I want to learn where my limits are so I can work on pushing past them in the future.

Explain the whip.

An infatuation with Indiana Jones when I was little resulted in the Hat when I was five. The whip came later. I was having trouble with the 2006 selection trials so my dad brought my whip down from Newcastle. I let fly in the car park and later got the best result I’d had at that regatta.

Verena Stocker

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