Sarah Winckless

How did you first become involved in rowing?
When I was at school I was really sporty, my team were school netball champions and I loved basketball.  I also threw the discus for Great Britain age group teams and did other events for my club, Epsom and Ewell Harriers.  However, it wasn't until I went to university at the age of 20 that I started to row.

When did you first begin to dream of competing at the Olympic Games?
I used to love watching all sport on television and saw the Olympic Games as the ultimate experience for an athlete.  The athletes winning golds became my heroes and I always dreamed of being part of it.

What did it feel like when you entered the Olympic arena for the first time?
Marching in the Opening Ceremony in Sydney was amazing.  The build-up had been incredibly exciting and to enter the stadium so inspiring.  I have some incredible photos from that night of my friends and team mates.

Describe your feelings and emotions when you won your medal.  What did that accomplishment mean to you?
It was in my second Olympic Games in Athens when I won my bronze. I was lucky enough to be part of a really successful rowing team and none of the girls wanted to miss out on a medal. I had never pushed myself as hard as I did in that race and as I crossed the finish line I only knew two things, we hadn’t won and it hurt! When I realised we had got a medal I was delighted and to get it in front of such a hugely supportive crowd was something I will never forget.

Other than competing in your event, what other memories of the Olympic Games do you have?
Being part of Team GB at an Olympic Games is a unique experience. The Olympic timetable has rowing in the first week of the Games. This gives us the opportunity to experience as many other sports as possible once we have finished competing. Sitting with my team mates watching other great Olympic performances is amazing. Also going to the Closing Ceremony is brilliant, much less formal than the Opening Ceremony - you get an opportunity to let your hair down and mingle with athletes from all over the world.

What is your goal for the rest of the year and for Beijing 2008?
Unfortunately I am currently recovering from injury. I am going to use the rest of this year to get as strong and fit as possible and want to leave Beijing as Olympic Champion.

Can you give us an insight into your physical training?
When at home we train two or three times a day, when away on training camp this can increase to four sessions.  On a typical day we will do 100 minutes on the water starting at 7.30, either in our crew boats or in singles, we will then have a break for about an hour and we will do some work on the ergo. The third session of the day could be an hour and a half of weights or other strengthening work or, in the racing season, we'll do another session on the water. On training camps we tend to cross train more, adding in cycling, swimming and running.

What areas do you think you need to improve?
There are always small gains in strength and fitness to be had, but for me, I need to stay injury free and work on my technique in the boat.

What about mental preparations?
I work with Britt Tajet-Foxell a sports psychologist who works with the Olympic Medical Institute. I love being nervous for big events as it helps me feel ready, but there are times when you need the skills to switch off and relax as well.

What motivates you to keep training and competing at such a high level?
The lure of Olympic Gold!

What do you do to relax and unwind?
I love gardening, my fish tank and knitting.  I use these when I need to be alone and just turn off. I also love catching up with my friends and their families, I like nothing more than having a natter over coffee or catching up over a nice meal.

Do you have any advice for young aspiring athletes?
Keep doing as many sports as you can for as long as you can, it gives you and your body balance. Enjoy what you do and never give up on your dreams.

Where do you see yourself, or in what role, for the London 2012 Games?
We will see what happens in Beijing, but I think I’ll be willing Team GB on from the sidelines.

What is something interesting people may not know about you?
My mother gave up ballet because someone told her she would be too tall.... at 5 foot 5 she would have been perfect!

Quick-Fire Round
Favourite colour - Gold
Cats or dogs? - dogs
Favourite food - sushi
Person most admired – Steve Redgrave
Books or TV? – both!
Favourite sport to watch – all sports, but athletics, rugby, tennis might be top 3
Lucky number - 5
Favourite film – The Power of One
Chocolate or ice-cream? - chocolate
Favourite TV programme – House