NSW Australian Athletes - Marty Rabjohns

Athlete Profile: week four

To most people outside the rowing community, the coxswain is just the little kid that yells out “Row! Row!” to the rowers ‘paddling’ with their arms. Yet to those who are fortunate enough to have the opportunity of jumping into a wonderfully fast eight with an experienced coxswain behind the reins, the coxswain myth could not be further from the truth. Coxswains are an essential factor that distinguishes the good crews from the best.  This week I spoke to the extremely popular coxswain of the men’s eight Marty Rabjohns just before he embarks on the first World Cup tour. As one could have expected, Marty’s modesty, thoughtfulness and experience are all encapsulated within this conversation, making this one of the most insightful and enjoyable interviews to read to date. 

                    photo from www.rowingphotos.com

Part of the Australian Rowing team is travelling overseas twice, which World Cups are you attending?

We depart Australia on 17^th June to race at the second World Cup Regatta in Amsterdam. We then travel to Switzerland for a training camp prior to racing at Henley Royal Regatta and then back to Lucerne for the final World Cup Regatta. So we get great racing experience this year to allow us to hone our skills for the World Championships.

You have represented Australia in an unconventional order — first as a successful coach and now as an athlete. How do these experiences differ?

I think we underestimate and undervalue the role of the coach. As an athlete, I feel I have a more direct input into the result. It is an incredibly lonely, hollow feeling as a coach when you see the athletes push off the pontoon for that last time.

Do you think that your coaching experience helps with your coxing?

Absolutely. It has significantly enhanced my communication and decision-making skills.

For those who have never had the privilege of rowing in a crew with a professional coxswain, what do you see as your main role? What differentiates a good from a great coxswain?

My main role is communicating and articulating a plan that is owned by the team, steering and motivating. Good coxswains expect, whereas great coxswains demand.

What advice would you give to those aspiring to be elite coxswains, considering seats are so limited?

Unfortunately there are limited seats, this is a known commodity. Therefore patience is essential, and as good as you may think you are, you can never stop learning.

You were announced as the coxswain for the pair and the eight, how do you split this in training?

In terms of priority, the eight is my main focus. The pair has been developing their skills in the coxless pair boat and will race at the World Cup regattas in this category. The coxed pair will train in that boat once we get overseas for the World Championships leg.

Aside from Ginn and Free in the pair, the eight has been announced as the priority crew, does this look likely to be the same for Beijing?

Yes it does. The men’s heavyweight sweep group is an exciting group to be involved with. Last year Drew and Duncan did a fantastic job as a new combination, so it will be very exciting to see their level in 2007. The men’s eight built a strong foundation to put ourselves on the podium this year and the men’s four has been strengthened by the addition of a fulltime coach as well as the coxed pair.

There was only one change from the eight last year with the addition of Tomkins, how has this improved the crew?

The entire men’s heavyweight sweep squad has strengthened with the addition of James into the mix, not to mention the Australian Team as a whole. James is a proven winner, his record speaks for itself. However, it is his jovial nature and willingness to challenge the norm that has improved the group.

How are you approaching this year’s World Cups and World Championships similarly and/or differently from last year?

As opposed to last year, the crews have been picked early, allowing us to focus on our own seat and get on with the job. Our coach, Brian Richardson, is a great facilitator and has challenged us to take further ownership this year in regards to everything that we do.

Traditionally the eight has been the blue ribbon event, do you know if any other countries are targeting the eight as their priority instead of the four (or any other event for that matter)?

In terms of targeting the eight, it is hard to say. Germany are the current World Champions and I expect them to be very fast. The USA, Canada, the Italians, the Polish and Great Britain will all be very good. It is hard to say at this stage.

What are the crew dynamics of the eight like? How is the similar/different to last year?

The eight is a great challenge as there are ten personalities including the coxswain and coach. The beauty of this dynamic is challenging yourself to see how much you can extract from each personality under pressure. The similarities from last year are evident, but the exciting aspect is that it is a work in progress, a building block.

What are you looking forward to the most about this year’s campaign and racing?

I get very excited about the prospect of representing Australia, it is a huge honour. In terms of the 2007 campaign, I am excited about building on the foundation established last year and continuing to push the boundaries.

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

I will be looking to capitalise on the opportunity when it arises.

What do you think your chances are of being announced as the coxswain for the Olympics next year?

I am continually seeking to improve my skills to be the best that I can be.

Before a race what do you get most nervous about?

Getting to the start line in good shape.

Verena Stocker

Stakeholders

Partners

Supporters

Rowing NSW relies heavily on
the support of a number of
Sponsors, Merchandisers
and Service Providers more...