Welcome to the Boat Club Bulletin where we are delighted to report that the club is back open for tennis and rowing, with restrictions for both in place.
Many members have already been back and we created a video to show how our distancing and hygiene measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of all members and staff, while complying fully with government and national sporting governing body guidelines. Click here to view the video.
There is no BIG Interview this week due to the club reopening but keep an eye out for more in future on our YouTube page.
The ever popular Get To Know Me profiles continue, however, and this week it’s the turn of two high achievers at different stages of their sporting careers, with both at the top of their age categories in Ireland. Let’s kick off with a young rower who not only rows superbly but writes beautifully as well...
Get to Know Me
Name: Giselle Coulter
Age: 17
Sport: Rowing
1. When did you start playing your sport?
I started Rowing just under 3 years ago in October 2017, following in my sister’s footsteps as she was already a rower and encouraged me to try it out, and I am so glad I did!
2. Who was your first hero or inspiration in your sport?
My first inspiration in rowing was Katherine Grainger. I watched her win gold in the London 2012 Olympics and silver in Rio 2016. She is a 6 time World Champion and Great Britain’s most decorated female Olympian. I remember watching her and hearing her story - she has attended five Olympics Games which is an incredible achievement in itself!
I was lucky enough to meet her at the UK School Games in 2018 and she was amazing to speak to and she gave me advice that I remind myself of in every training session.
3. What is the best thing you enjoy most about it?
There are so many things about rowing that I enjoy and picking one would be so hard!
I love the serenity of the sport. That feeling when you are on a flat, calm river in your boat, just thinking about the stroke that you are taking is indescribable. It’s a feeling that all rowers can understand, those blissful moments when nothing else matters but rowing, it can be magical.
This will sound weird, but one of the things I enjoy is the pain of a long hard training session or race. I love that feeling when you cross the finish line in a race or at the end of a piece and you can hardly breathe and your legs are in agony, but you’ve given it your all, you’ve done well and you have achieved a goal. The pain that comes with a success is the best of all.
4. How often do you train or practice at the Belfast Boat Club?
I train at the Boat club 6 days of the week including water sessions, ergs and weights sessions. It is like a second home to me!
5. What is your best achievement to date?
I trialled and got selected to represent Northern Ireland on the rowing team at the 2018 UK School Games and was chosen as the flag-bearer for all the rowing teams at the opening ceremony.
6. What are some of your goals for the next five years?
Next year, I would like to make the national team and attend an international competition.
One of my goals is to make the top boat at university when I go in a year’s time, and to hopefully compete at prestigious events such as Henley Royal Regatta and the Head of the Charles Race.
And of course, to keep enjoying the sport!
7. Who do you have around to support and coach you?
John Armstrong is the coach of my squad. He is a phenomenal coach, who has the ability to know what you are thinking or feeling during or after a session, before you’ve even realised it yourself. John is an inspiring figure in my life, and I am so grateful to have him as my coach. His support and belief are unwavering and no matter what is going on, John can help to fix it.
In such a demanding sport like rowing, it is vital to have a coach like John, he is there to help me during the inevitable lows and the highs of the sport. He has made me the rower that I am. He has taught me how to believe in myself and to never give up and is basically superman! He is definitely my hero.
My family are so supportive, and they are always there for me, to cheer me on, to drive me to training and races but most importantly to believe in me.
8. If failure was not an option what would you love to achieve in your sport?
I would love to go all the way to the top of rowing. To be an Olympic Champion.
That podium place is something that every serious athlete strives for.
9. What are some of your other favourite sports or hobbies?
In Summer I compete in athletics and cricket.
I like to shop - that is definitely a big hobby of mine!
Between studying for my A levels and training for rowing, there is not much extra time for other sports or hobbies, but this emphasises the importance of rowing to me. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
10. Why would you recommend your sport to anyone else reading this?
I would recommend rowing because there is nothing else quite like it. It is not just a sport, but a form of art, a way of life. It is one of the only sports that suits an introvert or an extrovert, it is a sport for everyone and anyone. I believe that everyone deserves to experience the exquisite beauty of rowing.
Wow, that’s an incredible interview from Giselle and really shows the mindset and dedication that being a serious athlete can achieve - we wish her well as she continues her quest for Olympic glory one day.
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