Clare Balding
Sports Broadcaster
Matthew Pinsent
Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE
Olympic Rowing Legend
The four-time Olympic champion oarsman has now become a polished presenter. After dinner Matt lets guests get their hands on his medals. With ready wit he recalls the punishing training regime, their need to adapt to circumstances and the sheer exhilaration of beating world class crews.
Speaking Topics
- High Performance
- Transformation & Change
Biography
Matthew Pinsent led Great Britain to glory in the coxless fours in Athens, and became a four-time Olympic gold medallist. His first taste came at the age of 21, when he and Steve Redgrave won the pairs in Barcelona. They still hold the Games record, set in Atlanta, whilst Matt also holds the world record set with James Cracknell in Seville.
In the build up to Athens, Matt’s preparations were disrupted when original crew member Alex Partridge was forced to withdraw with a collapsed lung. Ed Coode joined the boat at a late stage and the team needed to adapt to his different style. They struggled in the warm up regattas, but managed to peak at just the right time.
In presentations Matt explains the dynamics of teamwork in a rowing crew, and the addictive feeling of being the best and consistently winning. He also describes the pure motivation of wanting to beat your competitors and the mental strength needed to train effectively when you don’t feel up to it.
As a key part of the BBC’s Olympics coverage team, Matt also fronted the World Olympic Dreams series which followed 26 international athletes on their journey to the Games. He is also a leading member of The Times’ sports coverage team.
“Matt gave a great performance.”
Matthew delivered a fascinating and engaging speech and made a great impact on our conference delegates. His agreement to waive part of his fee for a charitable donation was greatly appreciated and we have given this money to the British Paralympic Association. To receive 5/5 rather than 4/5 Matthew could have tailored his presentation more towards his audience and to our company. But overall very happy.
Matthew was an excellent speaker, motivational and inspiring. Thought it might have been nice if he somehow mentioned our client specifically so that the audience felt he knew a little about them and what they did. Although I realise this might have been difficult given the context of his presentation! Was really nice that he also attended the evening dinner and presented their awards, I’m sure that this added to the occasion for the recipients.
Matthew was excellent. He arrived early and was extremely supportive of the event and seemed well prepared. Matthew delivered exactly what we were after and kindly stayed on little while afterwards to meet with some of the delegates.
Comments from our feedback forms include:
"Excellent as a keynote speaker"
"Particularly enjoyed Matthew Pinsent talk"
"Inspiring. I have been on the rowing machine ever since!"
“Everyone was buzzing and saying how much they had enjoyed the talk”
More from Matthew Pinsent
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