Mike Spraklen reflects on Olympic glory

A lovely old piece of video showing Briton, Mike Spraklen, talking about his first Canadian eight who won gold in Barcelona 1992.

The 1992 Olympics in Barcelona were a triumph for Canadian rowing. The team won 4 gold medals. The men’s eights (John Wallace, Bruce Robertson, Mike Forgeron, Darren Barber, Robert Marland, Michael Rascher, Andy Crosby, Derek Porter and Terry Paul [cox]) outlasted the defending Olympic and world champion German crew to win gold.

Spraklen Quick quotes:

There’s a very fine line the coach has to tread friendly enought to be a friend but distant enough to be a leader.

The Coaches’ contribution to a medal is about 10%.  It’s the man who does the work it’s the man who produces the goods, it’s the man who wins the medal.  And I honour and respect that situation.

The athletes’ approach, the athletes’ respect, the way they conduct themselves is really 100% and it’s one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had in coaching crews.

Where are they now?

The film interviews three guys – take a look at their subsequent careers.  Awesome life skills they clearly learnt from the sport of rowing.

Rob Marland real estate professional