Rowingchat

Noel Donaldson is the coach behind both Australia's Oarsome Foursome - arguably their most successful crew over recent olympiads and the Kiwi Pair.  He has more recently coached the Kiwi Pair and the NZ mens eight. We discuss how he worked with Eric Murray and Hamish Bond who were already successful by building flexibility into their training. Timestamps to the interview: 0.00 Background in rowing 02:00 the history of the Australian Oarsome Foursome 06:00 Coaching athletes from the beginning - never assume you know it all - every athlete is different 09:00 Schools are a microcosm of elite sporting programmes when modern equipment came in they started chasing wins 12:00 Club rowing and the elite programme. Centralised system was resisted by clubs.  They have a role in athlete development. 16:00 Centralised versus decentralised training programmes 18:00 Starting with a new crew - land education on the ergo.  Mix of other athlete experiences.  Put a second button on the oar for beginners or para pontoons onto a