Fitness Matters Indoor Rowing Ambassadors
Given that the term Ambassador is defined as “a representative or promoter of a specified activity” we figured indoor rowing as a sport would benefit from having a few. Our Fitness Matters Ambassadors were selected on the basis of their contribution to the sport and the community, as well as their ability to inspire through their involvement. They are tasked with the function of promoting participation and excellence with the aim of assisting the growth and development of indoor rowing.
The first of our FM Rowing Ambassador introductions is Graham Benton aka the ‘Erg Daddy’ of MAD Team IRC, multiple World and British Indoor Rowing Champion, Concept 2 World and British record holder who this year produced the fastest 2k time of the day at the World Champs in Boston. A mere 5:48.3 at the ripe old age of 42. Coached to his peak by Eddie Fletcher, coxed to perfection by Sam Blythe and a huge advocate of all things FM Rowing. One of a few who have made it into the Concept 2 Hall of Fame.
Our second FM Ambassador Ross Love is current World Record holder for the 100m (13.3 sec) 1 Min (418m) 1000m 30 – 39yr (2:40.9) 500m American Record (1:11.9) and recently topped the board winning Gold in the World Rowing Concept 2 1k Sprints challenge. Ross bagged a silver medal at this years Crash-B World Indoor Rowing Championships in the same race as coach Sam Blythe. Ross is also a fully fledged FM Indoor Rowing Team member along with his Dad Mike who he also coaches to record breaking form.
Next up on the Ambassador introduction list is Axel Dickinson. Axel has a massive amount of knowledge and experience about all things row. Not only does he stroll through a 2k on the ergo at 5:49.6, he is also an experienced NZ Rowing Team water rower who claimed bronze at U23 World Championships in 2012 in the 4, been Elite reserve 2 in 2015, and recently returned from the Rio Olympics. Having been here from the start Axel is most definitely on our valued FM founder members list. We’re also excited to have Axel join us as part of our performance coaching team.
Any finally, last but my no means least is Sam Blythe. Sam is THE man behind the training plans and in fact all things Fitness Matters. British, English and Welsh Indoor Rowing Champion 2015 (30-39 HWT) with a few sub 6 min 2k’s and a sub 16 minute 5k all whilst being sub 5ft 10 in stature, he’s a force to be reckoned with. Coach, cox, competitor and leader, it’s all within his repertoire. Sam is renowned for his guidance, support, consistency and relentless pursuit of progress within the indoor rowing community. Ambassador defined.