Interview with Rebecca and Juls

How did you first get into rowing?

R: I began rowing at school (Wanganui Collegiate) - lured to the sport by my sister Hannah and brother Sam who were already rowing there at the time.

J: I started rowing at Takapuna Grammar School when one of the teachers asked me to try it out and see if I liked it. We fell out of an eight at the end of our first row which was unfortunate as I had tied my feet in as tightly as possible! I loved school rowing as I had great coaches and made some lifelong friends.

What is your most memorable race?

R: I would probably say my very first nationals when I raced in the U21 pair and placed 2nd. It was the first time I realised could actually do well in the sport.

J: There are many memorable races - it's actually hard to pick one but if I had to choose... it would be racing at the Qualification Regatta to qualify for the Athens Olympics in 2004. We needed to finish in the top two spots to qualify and at 1000m gone we were in third and falling behind. It is probably one of my most memorable because it was also one of the most painful! We wound through the Ukraine crew and finished in second place and that sealed our place at the Athens Olympics.

What do you do on an average training day?

R: Wake up, have breakfast, cycle to rowing, row, head in for a weights session, cycle home for lunch, cycle back down for the afternoon session, row, cycle home, have dinner, go to bed. Sounds fun I know!

J: Much the same as Rebecca but she's a little bit tougher than me, cycling to training! Studying for my degree and doing assignments fits in there somewhere too.

What do you like more – training or racing?

R: I love racing. I love the competition and seeing how far I can push myself.

J: I enjoy both but racing is the ultimate, there's no feeling that beats racing and winning!

What motivates you to train so hard?

R: That would be Juliette - I have a very demanding person sitting behind me! And also the desire to be completely prepared so I know I'm ready when race day rolls around.

J: Haha maybe I'm demanding but I just get so excited during racing that I'm just yelling at Rebecca to go and go again! I feel like I've had a second chance getting back on the team and I'm determined to perform to my full potential.

Have you always wanted to go to the Olympics?

R: When I was growing up I always admired Olympic athletes, but never ever thought I would come close to going to the Olympics myself. As soon as I realised it was possible it has been my biggest focus in life.

J: In high school I decided that I wanted to go to the Olympics. I wasn't even sure what sport I would go in I just knew that I wanted to get there.

Who inspires you?

R: I am inspired daily by the rowers in the NZ squad, who I see work so hard every day.

J: Watching New Zealand athletes compete at the Beijing Olympics and win medals was one of the most inspiring experiences I have had. More than ever it made me want to train hard and see if I could achieve that myself.

What do you like to do outside of rowing?

R: I like to spend time with my flatties, friends and family. Go shopping and enjoy the sunshine.

J: Outside of rowing I like to catch up with friends and family and I'm about to start a photography course which should be fun!

What's something that people don't know about you?

R: I went to a primary school with only 8 kids, and 3 of them included myself and my brother and sister.

J: I have played the piano and the flute since I was at primary school. These days I just play the piano to relax.