Quick Interview: David Tanner CBE
How many of Team GB’s rowers do university programs such as Durham provide?
That’s a good question. It’s not a stat I know to hand, but I’d say probably about 80% of GB rowers were university rowers. Our people are pretty highly educated.
What is your target for London 2012? Do you have a specific number of medals to aim for?
We want to win at least four medals. That’s out of fourteen gold medal races. To some people that won’t seem like a lot, but it’s not like cycling where Chris Hoy can win three or four medals himself, rowing has different physical challenges and it’s difficult for rowers to compete in multiple events. Anything above four would be cracking.
Is there a danger we have a post Olympic slump, once all the excitement of London has gone?
Yes, it’s a risk. But it’s only really a risk if we’re not already looking ahead to Rio [Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Olympics]. I’ve already been to Rio and we’re already investing in future rowers. In reality, inside rowing what you do for London is no different to preparing for any other Olympic Games. On the other side, some sports have an opportunity they would not otherwise have had, like basketball.
Much has been said about the legacy of the games, do you think this will be the case?
Definitely, it’s huge. Being able to create a legacy was possibly what tipped the balance for the bid. It’s fundamental.
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