Fergus Woolnough: Gloucester rower on ‘awesome’ debut winning two golds in first two races

Woolnough, from Gloucester, grew up playing rugby union for his local club in Dursley, but it was a PE teacher at his school who recommended he try rowing because of his height.

He was pointed in the direction of a talent-spotting session in the sport.

“For a long time I was very much under the impression I was going to go the way of rugby, but I’m very glad I didn’t choose that way,” Woolnough said.

“It’s worked out amazingly for me. It’s the first year of the cycle but even now it’s been amazing, the journey I’ve had. Everywhere I’ve been, the things I’ve done, the places I’ve been able to row.”

“I can’t wait to hopefully continue for a long time.”

Woolnough went on to attend Hartpury College and University before completing his studies at Oxford Brookes University, where his rowing experience and exposure increased.

“It’s a very weird thing thinking I started when I was just 15 at school doing a bit of sport and now it’s my job and my life,” he said.