George Finlayson

Nationality

AUS

Height

194cm

School/high school/secondary school

The Scots College

Undergraduate/graduate

Graduate

Undergraduate course

History

Graduate course

MPhil in Management

Cambridge college

Peterhouse

Why are you studying your course?

The MPhil in Management at Cambridge is designed for students who have little to no business experience or education. Whilst I enjoyed studying History at Berkeley, I wanted to join a programme which would help me gain an understanding of the business world and broaden my career opportunities.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

The people. The course brings together students from all over the world with varying academic backgrounds and experiences. The cohort is only around 50 people which means there is an opportunity to get to know all my fellow classmates.

Year you first started rowing

2011

First rowing club

UTS Haberfield

Why/how did you get into rowing?

I started rowing in year 7 at school because I was sick of cricket and my dad rowed so it seemed like a good choice.

Name of first rowing coach

Tim McLaren

Who is your rowing idol?

Richard Finlayson

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

If you want something done, ask a busy person.

Who would be your dream team eight to row with from everyone in the history of rowing?

So many names come to mind. Rough draft as follows, Brett Cataldo (Cox), Jimmy Tompkins (St), Richard Finlayson (7), Myself (6), Tim McLaren (5), Will Creedon (4), Ethan McCoach (3), Scott Fransden (2), Jack Robertson (B)

What is your rowing history, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?

I started rowing at The Scots College in Sydney, Australia at age 13. Went on to become Captain of Boats at Scots and was then awarded a scholarship to row at Cal Berkeley. Between Scots and Berkeley, I joined UTS Haberfield under Tim McLaren which was formative for my rowing experience and helped me deal with the highs and lows of college rowing in the US. Had a fantastic experience at Berkeley and was fortunate enough to spend the summer of my junior year training for and competing in the U23 world championships in the Australian men’s 8+. My greatest achievement so far (on paper) would be competing for Australia in 2019.

Have you raced in the Boat Race before? If yes, when?

No

Have you ever been at school/university/on a team with anyone at ‘the other place’?

Yes, my best mate Jack Robertson was in the same year as me at Berkeley and was also a member of the 2019 U23 AUS men’s 8+.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

I really like rowing on the Nepean River. It is alive with native Australian flora and fauna and feels like home.

Your favourite race so far?

Winning a national championship in the Cal JV in my Sophomore year.

Where would be your dream place to row?

At the moment, it’s the Tideway on Boat Race day.

Obviously, it is long hours and hard work‚ what inspires you to keep rowing?

The friends that I have made through rowing and the places it has taken me. I wouldn’t have it any other way. The fun part of rowing can’t be fun if there aren’t long hours and hard work.

What do you feel is your greatest achievement through rowing, be it accolades or something more personal?

The greatest thing I have achieved through rowing has been personal growth. It sounds cheesy but rowing has taught me lessons and humbled me in ways that have altered my perception of self and of those around me. To me, that is far more valuable than any accolade. That said, winning is also the greatest feeling.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

For a pairs race in 2017, my partner (Zac Whitehead) and I rigged up our pair the wrong way around and didn’t realise until we had put the boat on the water. Much to the dismay of Tim, we had to quickly rush back up to shore and re-rig the boat. We still made it to the start line, but with a much shorter warm-up!

What is your favourite sports quote?

Pressure is a privilege.

How would you describe the sport to a non-rower?

More legs than you think and pretty hard work, but a nice feeling when you get it right.

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

While it can be a selfish pursuit, sport allows us to interact with one another in a unique and exciting way. It helps us understand each other and ourselves better than we did before -understanding is what it’s all about.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

Dodgeball, ultimate underdog story.

Why do you think someone outside of the sport can relate to your career as an athlete?

That is a tough one. My career has been mostly good without the major success that some athletes have found. I would say that I have always shown potential to be a great athlete but have not had the opportunity yet to fully realise that potential. I think there are probably a lot of rowers and non-rowers out there who feel they still have something to prove.

What are your strengths, as a person and as an athlete?

Persistent, calm, competitive

What do your friends think of your athletic success?

Not too sure honestly, I think they respect my craft just as I respect theirs, but I prefer to put the oar down when I am with non-rowing friends.

Do you think you can win the Boat Race? Why?

Yes -because I know that between now and April 3, all the members of my team will do the best they can to ensure we give ourselves that opportunity on race day.

Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?

Surfing, mountain biking, hiking with friends, learning

Tell us one surprising thing about yourself 

In year 10, I wanted to quit rowing and play tennis but because my South African exchange student was going to row while he stayed with me, I figured I should row for just one more term.