Latest news with #FergusWoolnough


BBC News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Listen: World Rowing Cup 2025 Semi-Final
Update: Date: 19:10 BST Title: Two races, two golds - Woolnough on 'awesome' debut Content: BBC Sport This video can not be played Fergus Woolnough reflects on winning Gold in his first 2 regattas in the GB Mens 8 boat. Rower Fergus Woolnough has said it was an "awesome feeling" to win two gold medals in his first two senior races for Great Britain. Woolnough was part of the men's eight crew that took gold at the European Championships in Bulgaria and the World Rowing Cup in Italy, two weeks later. The 22-year-old was only selected for the squad for the first time in April. "Even being selected for the boat feels like a massive accomplishment and then going out to races and being able to deliver some really good performances, that is an awesome feeling," Woolnough told BBC Radio Gloucestershire. "It makes all the very cold windy mornings through the winter worth it." Click here to read more. Update: Date: 19:09 BST Title: Get Inspired: How to get into rowing Content: Fast Answers BBC Sport Why get into rowing? It's a physical, exciting and social sport that helps you work effectively in a team. Who is it for? If you're looking for a fantastic way to stay in shape and you love being on the water, rowing is perfect for you. Alternatively, most gyms provide indoor rowing machines. Is there a cheap option? Most clubs will offer subsidised rates for juniors, students and social members. Free taster sessions at some clubs are also available. What if I want a proper workout? Rowing is a fantastic cardiovascular workout. Every stroke uses 85% of your muscles covering nine major muscle groups so it also helps you to tone up, fast. Can I take it to another level? Join a local club and unleash your competitive side! There are over 550 rowing clubs across the country where you can get started. Is there a disability option? 'Rowability' from British Rowing aims to encourage anyone who has a physical, sensory or learning impairment to start rowing. Is there a family option? Lots of clubs run taster sessions at weekends and during school holidays- so you can get the whole family involved! Update: Date: 19:09 BST Title: Rowing Content: BBC Sport Most people are familiar with sliding-seat racing as the discipline included in the Olympic Games. The boats generally have one, two, four or eight seats and some have a coxswain to steer and direct the crew from the back. Rowing in a small group requires precise co-ordination and excellent communication skills, so not only will you get fit, but also make some good friends in the process Visit British Rowing, external, external for more information on the basics of rowing


BBC News
7 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Two races, two golds - Woolnough on 'awesome' debut
Rower Fergus Woolnough has said it was an "awesome feeling" to win two gold medals in his first two senior races for Great Britain. Woolnough was part of the men's eight crew that took gold at the European Championships in Bulgaria and the World Rowing Cup in Italy, two weeks 22-year-old was only selected for the squad for the first time in April. "Even being selected for the boat feels like a massive accomplishment and then going out to races and being able to deliver some really good performances, that is an awesome feeling," Woolnough told BBC Radio Gloucestershire."It makes all the very cold windy mornings through the winter worth it." 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. Next up for Woolnough is the second regatta of the World Cup series in Switzerland from 27-29 Britain are the reigning Olympic champions in the men's eight and with two wins to their name in 2025 so far, Woolnough said the challenge now was to keep the standard high."Winning the first couple of races this season has been a really good start but I think the guys in the eight last year won a lot of races," he said. "We've continued having a target on the men's eight's back for the time being, we've got to keep improving and hopefully keep winning to keep that."