INTERVIEW
Wisdom
Coaching
We caught up with Tiago Loureiro , the RMB National Coach , to chat about his love of rowing , the challenges the sport faces , and his thoughts on the importance of events like the Buffalo Regatta .
Q : Is there that one moment you always go back to in your career ? A : There are numerous outstanding achievements from athletes I have coached … Nicole Van Wyk ’ s ‘ 16 and ’ 19 was a standout for us . Kyle Schoonbee ’ s ’ 17 single scull result was a very special moment for him , too . I was really proud of the 2016 and 2019 Under 23 campaigns in general .
Q : Please tell us a bit about your background . A : I am 38 years old , and a born and bred Pretoria local . Iwent to school at Willowridge High School , where I was first introduced to rowing . I would be lying if I told you I was very good , but technically I was able to keep up thanks to my technical understanding of propelling a boat … or so I think . I guess that ’ s where the bug bit and I fell for the art of rowing . I believe it is the most beautiful sport on earth .
Q : What is it about rowing that ignites that passion ? A : I am attracted to the notion that it is not a mainstream or highlighted sport , yet it is one of the most challenging sports you can participate in . I am attracted to the idea that you can ’ t fake it – there is no half-time , no substitutes nor water breaks . I like the idea that the real race will transpire after the 1km mark . It ’ s the combination and balance of rawness , hard work and technical proficiency that will separate the winners from the rest . And I can ’ t understand how you cannot be passionate about something so elegant , yet so ruthless , all at the same time . I am in the pursuit of success , and you need passion to achieve it .
But my proudest , most valuable moment would actually be missing the A-final at the schools boat-race by 0.3 seconds back in 2011 … We were just happy not be slow ! I remember getting phone calls from a few good coaches in Rowing South Africa urging me to fight for a three-way final . I never did … and I learnt a valuable lesson that day : Never settle for anything less than the best . I settled too low that year , as we later figured out .
Q : Your thoughts on the future of the sport in this country ? A : Rowing ’ s future in South Africa looks bright . No doubt we are up against it , we face obstacles , and the path will certainly be the one less travelled , but is that not what makes our country so special ? We rise to the occasion … so let ’ s continue to rise . Hey , that ’ s a good hashtag … # LetsRise !
Q : Finally , any words of wisdom for rowers with international aspirations ?
A : My advice to any athlete trying to make the RMB National Squad is to work hard , be fast , and then showcase it . No one fast , willing and able has not made the team . If you believe you have the attributes , then contact the team . Produce the speed where applicable . The coaching team is looking for the best athletes in the country to be competitive worldwide . That will keep things in perspective .
Q : The sport has a rich tradition in South Africa … A : Yes , Rowing South Africa is extraordinary . What the legends before ‘ us ’ have done for our sport is truly remarkable and should never be forgotten . What the LM4- achieved in London 2012 is arguably one of the best sporting performances in the history of Olympic sports , and what Roger Barrow and the South African team achieved in Rio 2016 was quite simply marvellous !
Q : What makes the RMB Buffalo Regatta special for the RMB National Squad ?
A : It ’ s a very special regatta . It ’ s a tradition , a South African rowing culture . It is an opportunity to bring the whole country together , in the beautiful Eastern Cape , to take part on the Buffalo River . Now , especially , recovering from the unprecedented times we have endured , any opportunity to come together and race within the country is a blessing , and that makes it even more special .
8 RMB Buffalo Regatta 2022