Olympic Medallist Coaches Pembroke Ladies

“Above all, be positive” – this was the message from Olympic silver-medallist and PCBC Alumna Cath Bishop at tea with the Pembroke W1 this weekend.

It’s a huge boost to be able to welcome one of the PCBC Olympians to the river for a guest coaching spot. Alongside Cath, who won silver in the women’s pair at Athens 2004, the Club is also proud to count Kieron West (Gold, men’s 8+, Sydney 2000) as a former PCBC rower. Both have returned to coach the Pembroke women in their recent Mays campaigns.

The outing on Sunday was productive and high-spirited, proving to the girls that they’re capable of the speed and composure that will be needed throughout the four days of the Bumps. Working alongside Steve Fuller, Head Coach for W1 this term, Cath focussed on developing conviction in the ladies’ rowing – adjusting power application through the stroke to maximise acceleration and boatspeed.

The crew returned to College with Cath for post-outing tea, and were treated to stories of Olympic training in far-flung locations across Europe – some more memorable than others, as Cath reflected “In my experience, Belgium smells like poo!”

The lasting memory of the afternoon will be that of confidence and optimism. To aspire to the best, a crew should believe in themselves and their abilities absolutely. On Cath’s reflection, this crew certainly has much to be positive about.