Steve Redgrave, a five-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing, was in India recently to open an academy. The legend, who braved diabetes to win his last medal during 2000 Sydney Olympics, spoke to Abhishek Purohit
You overcame diabetes to win gold in Sydney. How did you do thatIJ And what’s your message for the people who are affected by the diseaseIJ
Diabetes was not a huge shock for me because I was aware of it due to my grandfather’s illness. But, after I got to know that I am diabetic, I started the treatment quickly. Those were tough days but I was not bogged down by it. I accepted it as a different kind of a task. I continued my exercise, pushed my limit to the fullest and came out on top. My message is that be ready for it mentally and physically. Take proper care of your body, just love who you are and continue to live life positively.
For every successful sportsperson, life after retirement becomes a challenge. How has your post-retirement beenIJ
My life post-retirement has been great. I have been involved in many things. One year after the retirement I was involved in the bidding process for the london Olympics. I was very enthusiastic about it and worked on a couple of projects. Apart from that I have also participated in running some workshops, done charity work and fitness programmes. But, I really miss the regular intense training, the fitness regimen and the practice sessions.
So what brings you to IndiaIJ Rowing is not a popular sport here. What’s the reason for launching an academyIJ
I am aware that cricket is the most popular sport in India. But, it (the academy) is my effort to help the sport grow and popularise it. You must first put the right set-up to produce successful sportsman. You can say it is one of my ways of giving back to the sport.
With this academy, what do you hope/want to achieveIJ
India as a rowing nation is still developing. Apart from the Army, there are very few people who are seriously take up rowing. This academy will offer young and old to try their hand at serious technical rowing. Also, with the sheer volume of students that this academy hopes to reach, the chance for some amazing talent to crop up is always there. This will be more than a community club of around 50,000 entrants.
How much potential do you see in Indian rowersIJ
Rowing has not expanded in this country as it should have. I was having discussions with the coaches and officials and they have told me that the Army boys are the ones who do it. Army’s move to allow the rowers to train for full-time is laudable and I believe they have the right kind of idea and execution. But, some things need to change. The change in the way the sport is handled in India will bring out more talent.
Do you also have an academy back home in EnglandIJ
No. This is my first academy. nIt has been 13 years since your retirement. How much has rowing changed in all these yearsIJ
I think the popularity and competitiveness around the world have grown definitely. Also, as time progressed, the involvement of improved versions of instruments has made the sport better. Similarly, the athletes are nowadays focusing on the technological aspect and new things like physiology and dietary plans have changed from what they used to be. I would say the sport has evolved.
How did you manage to dominate the sport for such a long periodIJ What was the secret behind your successIJ
A lot of hard work, discipline, sincerity, and extreme love and passion for the sport were the reasons for my success. The hunger to get better every passing day and achieve more one after another were also the reasons. Also, my teammates in all the Olympics and World Championships had helped me a lot. I pushed myself to the limit and enjoyed it.
Which of your five Olympic gold medals is closest to your heartIJ
Every single medal is closest to my heart. Not only the Olympic medals or the World Championships ones but the other medals also have their importance. Every medal required separate kind of preparation and different kind of effort. After every win I would say what nextIJ People may say the closest would be the 2000 Sydney one because I was coming from diabetes rehabilitation but each one was a different challenge.
In london Olympics, Chris Hoy broke your record and became Britain’s most successful Olympian with six gold medals. Your thoughts on thatIJ
I am happy that someone like Chris has broken my record. He is a nice boy and I am very close to him as well. He is a great sportsman and deserves it. Hopefully, he bring more medals to my country.
lately, doping has tarnished many sports including rowing. What are your views on doping in sportsIJ
Doping cannot be wiped away completely. It is a pretty shameful thing to do. Sports should be a field of equal balance and no one should try to take unfair advantage. Dope testing is very important and I believe that with more doping control regulations and better methods, it can be curbed.
london 2012 was a successful event. According to you what is the legacy of the GamesIJ What impact have they left on England’s sporting futureIJ
london 2012 was a massively successful event. like every other Olympics, it has also increased the height of world sports. Every Olympics were special and this one too was. The Rio Olympics too will be great but with a different kind of atmosphere and environment. In london, throughout the two months the atmosphere was spectacular. Talking about the legacy, it has provided a great infrastructure for upcoming generations. The Great Britain team is in a great shape and the investment in them for 2012 will keep them in good stead going into 2016 Games in terms of preparation. But the most important thing I reckon is that the 2012 sporting extravaganza has managed to catch the eyes and minds of young people and upcoming athletes. That is the biggest legacy.