3 mins
Tom George
Nationality
GBR
Height
195cm
School/high school/secondary school
Radley College
Club
CUBC
Undergraduate/graduate
Graduate
Previous university
Princeton
Undergraduate course
Politics
Graduate course
MPhil -Real Estate Finance
Cambridge college
Peterhouse
Why are you studying your course?
Preparing for life beyond rowing.
What is the most interesting part of your course?
Developing a further understanding of financial systems and real estate markets.
Year you first started rowing
2010
First rowing club
Radley College
Why/how did you get into rowing?
To stay fit for rugby.
Name of first rowing coach
John Gearing
What is your rowing history, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?
I learnt to row at Radley College and was first selected to represent GB in 2012, when I won a bronze medal in the men’s eight at the junior championships. I made my senior international debut at the 2017 world cup in Lucerne and went on to earn a spot on the U23 team in 2014, 2015 and 2016; my best result was a silver medal in the men’s four at the 2016 U23 championships in Rotterdam. I finished fifth in the men’s pair with Tom Jeffery at the 2017 world rowing championships in Sarasota-Bradenton. I was part of the GB men’s eight for the 2018 and 2019 seasons, winning two world cup silver medals, a European silver, two world championships bronze medals and a world cup gold. My biggest achievement so far is winning a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
How do you balance rowing and academic life?
Be disciplined to put in the hours, even when you are tired.
Who would be your dream team eight to row with from everyone in the history of rowing?
Oarsome Foursome combined with GB Sydney 4-plus me in there somewhere
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. Martin Barakso (OUBC President), Augustin Wambersie and Tassilo Von Muller.
What is the best place you have ever rowed?
Lucerne
Where would be your dream place to row?
Bled
What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?
Ford vs Ferrari or Moneyball. On a rowing theme everyone, rower or not, should watch A Most Beautiful Thing.
What do you feel is your greatest achievement through rowing, be it accolades or something more personal?
Becoming an Olympian, breaking 5.40 on the erg, friendships made along the way.
Your favourite race so far?
Olympic final/Lucerne 2021/European champs 2021
What is your favourite sports quote?
“Handle the damn pressure” -Phil Jackson.
How would you describe the sport to a non-rower?
Rewarding, disciplined, tough.
Why do you think someone outside of the sport can relate to your career as an athlete?
The importance of purpose in what you are doing. Also, the importance of finding something you are passionate about and enjoy. Don’t waste your life doing things you don’t enjoy. It is not worth it.
What are your strengths, as a person and as an athlete?
As an athlete, I am strong, competitive and good at what I do. As a person, I try to always put other people first. To be kind and offer advice where I can.
What do your friends think of your athletic success? How do you handle missing out on activities with friends because of your athletic schedule?
It is tough. All my friends are very supportive, but recently I have had to miss a few weddings and that is where it gets tougher to handle.
Do you think you can win The Boat Race?
Yes
Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?
All sports really. I enjoy reading and learning too. I guess that makes this the perfect year.
Do you have a connection with anyone in the other team?
Good friends with some of the lads.