Great Australian Rower

Focus and determination define the character and success of Drew Ginn. At just 20 years old he tasted international competition and soon after realised his Olympic dream competing with the Oarsome Foursome in 1996, where the team rowed their way to a gold medal. This is where Drew really hit his stride and he has continued to display strength of conviction and ability in a string of Olympic and international competitions and world records.

Making his international debut in 1995 Drew was a member of the Eight that placed fourth at the European Championships and eleventh at the World Championships.

During that year Drew had the opportunity to join the famous Oarsome Foursome crew who had won gold in the coxless fours three years ealier in Barcelona. Andrew Cooper had decided to retire and they needed someone to fill his position, Drew jumped at the opportunity.

In 1996 the new Oarsome Foursome successfully defended their Olympic title in Atlanta, giving Drew Ginn his first gold medal and instant celebrity status.

The Oarsome Foursome returned to international competition at the 1998 World Championships rowing as a coxed four and won gold. At the same regatta Drew teamed up with Mike McKay and won silver in the coxless pairs.

In 1999 Drew and James Tomkins went to the World Championships in Canada and won a gold in the coxless pairs, a terrific result with only a year to go until the Olympics.

Tragically, Drew injured his back at the end of 1999 and what began as a niggling injury soon grew into a debilitating one. Unable to row at his best, Drew regrettably withdrew from Olympic selection and will miss the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Drew and team-mate James Tomkins were awarded the 2003 FISA Male Crew of the Year in recognition of their win at the 2003 World Championships and their succession of Olympic and World Championship medals in recent years; Drew made his international debut in 1995 finishing 11th in the eight at the World Championships; He rowed with James Tomkins in the coxless pair at the 1999 World Championships in Canada and won gold; He returned to rowing in 2002 and combined with Tomkins to finish fourth at the Seville World Championships. Drew rowed with James Tomkins in the Men's Pair; achieving a gold medal in Athens 2004.

Since the Athens Olympics Drew has been very clear about his plan to work towards Beijing and be the best he can be. Even in his year off he has remained very active competing on the Forster Ironman triathlon and currently he is competing in the Ocean Thunder surfboat series. He is continually looking for new ways of challenging himself to ensure his development as an athlete and person continues. He will continue to use his profile to promote various charities and his sport.

In 2006, Drew returned to international rowing with remarkable success winning gold at the World Cup regatta in Poland in the men's coxless pairs. This was his first competitive race since the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. He continued his golden return when he won the 2006 world championship title in the same event.

Outside of rowing, Drew has been involved with a number of organisations over the last eight years including the KIDS Foundation, Bluearth Institute and Relay for Life.

Now carrying the distinction of being a dual Olympic Gold medallist, Ginn has carved a place among Australia's great Olympians and will be looking to extend his Olympic success at Beijing in 2008.

Presentation Topics Include

• Harnessing Team Energy - Enabling greater collective impact & leadership in every seat
• Personal Presence:  Enhance awareness, choice & action for improved impact within a team
• High Impact Goals: Creating & achieving goals which inspire
• True Collaboration: It's not just a pretty word
• Team Brand: Symbolism for success