For six years I was one of a team of physiotherapists who worked with GB Rowing for both the senior and junior squads. For the last four years, I was Lead Physiotherapist to the juniors. It was while I was in Nottingham, at the National Water Sports Centre for the Spring Trials that my path crossed with that of a certain Gordon Reay. That was nearly 2 years ago and since then, I have worked with the senior rowing pupils at Monkton, teaching core stability (pilates), both on and off the water.
Even though initially there was an occasional groan, all those who have participated in the classes have come on leaps and bounds. It has been great to teach and spend time with them. So when Gordon mentioned the Nantes trip, and the lack of a female chaperone, to be honest, it didn't take too much thought to say I'd go.
I am so pleased I did. It gave me a chance to get to know the older pupils, who I have taught, but also to meet up and coming students. Everyone, without exception, was an absolute pleasure to be with. Fun, polite, full of enthusiasm and an appropriate pinch of mischief, both students and staff!
As I was there in the capacity of female chaperone, not physiotherapist, I was involved in the numerous shopping outings for provisions with JMB. It was during one of these 'shops', JMB in his polite, quiet manner, slipped into conversation, it would be good if I wrote a small account of my experience of Monkton's training camp and how it compares with GB Rowing.
Much is the same; the outings, the enthusiasm, and the huge quantities of food that seem to disappear, just when you feel you have bought the shop out. Though obviously there are also differences. The GB junior squad is encouraged after outings to go and rest, to recharge the batteries for the next outing. Monkton seem to have the Duracell version - plenty of energy! Early afternoons were used constructively, settling down and studying, after which we were back on the water. GB is on the whole, run in a fairly rigid way. Monkton was more relaxed but equally as encouraging and inspiring. Everyone was there to learn, train and enjoy; it really was a true combination. Within sport there are various levels, but from elite to novice, enjoyment should be a huge part of it, otherwise why do it?
I always enjoyed my time with GB Rowing, which included numerous training camps and competitions. However my experience with the pupils and staff from Monkton during the 2009 trip to Nantes is right up there with the best of them.
Thank you for asking me to come.
Jenny Conway