Wrexham University Lecturer’s Part In Olympic Rowing Medallist’s Development

A Glyndŵr University lecturer played a key role in the development of one of Britain’s Olympic rowing stars.

Dr Tim Donovan, senior lecturer in sports and exercise sciences at the university, coached men’s eight bronze medallist Ric Egington as a teenager.

Tim, himself a former rower who won eight national championships, was a coach at Warrington Rowing Club when Ric’s ability became apparent.

He said: “I coached Ric for three years and it was clear that he had a special talent.

“At the age of 17 or 18 he was pulling scores that most national-standard rowers would only dream of.”

On Wednesday Ric and his teammates put in a strong performance to claim a medal behind the German and Canadian crews.

Tim has gone on to become an academic after completing a PhD in rowing physiology, while Ric is now based in Henley on the River Thames, but the two remain firm friends.

Tim said: “We were texting each other the night before the race, I think to stop him from thinking too much about it as much as anything.

“He was a silver medallist in Beijing so he knows what it’s all about.”

As well as teaching at the university, Tim continues to be involved in rowing at Chester’s Grosvenor Club and other clubs throughout the region.

He said the key factors in achieving rowing success were physical ability and the dedication to succeed.

Tim added: “With the right commitment you can go a long way. Getting up at 6am every single day to train is a massive thing to commit to.

“Ric’s schedule with training is thirteen and a half days on, half a day off. It is hugely demanding and a great achievement, particularly when you consider the length of some of the careers of rowers. You have to give such a large part of your life to it.”