Mark Hunter

Mark Hunter won an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, thereby securing, together with his partner Zac Purchase, Great Britain’s first-ever lightweight rowing medal.

After a dramatic restart to their race in the London 2012 caused by one of the British pair’s seat coming loose – Mark and Zac achieved a silver medal when they lost by a few feet to former world champions Denmark.

Mark’s rowing career started at the age of 14 at the Poplar Blackwall & District Rowing Club where, trained by his father, his dream of representing his country was born and his desire to achieve Olympic glory started.

Mark quickly progressed through the GB rowing ranks, representing his country in the World Junior Championships in 1995 and 1996 before going on to achieve success at the U23 World Rowing Championships from 1997 – 2000.

In 2001 Mark made the important decision to change class and race as a lightweight, and he has never looked back.

There followed successes in the men’s four in 2004 during the World Cup series, being appointed captain of the prestigious Leander Club in 2005 and success in the double scull in 2006 World Cup.  And then, in 2008, a year in which he and Zac Purchase were the only unbeaten crew in World Rowing, he confirmed his status as one of the leading rowers in his class by winning an Olympic Gold medal in emphatic style.

Following his triumph in China, Mark took a year away from competitive rowing and spent time coaching at UCLA. Watching his athletes compete reminded Mark why he loved training and competing so much and he has now returned to the UK, is back in full-time training and has his sights set firmly on retaining his Olympic crown in London in 2012.

Having grown up and learned to row on the spot where the Games will be held in 2012, Mark’s passion for a home Games is tangible and he is a thrilling prospect for a medal in 2012.

A lifelong West Ham fan, Mark is a Freeman of the River Thames and has a regular column in London’s Evening Standard in which he charts his journey to 2012.

Mark is a warm, honest and articulate speaker who brings with him a story of success and, more importantly, an awareness of what it takes to achieve.  Sacrifice, failure, hard work, determination and a brutal diet all contribute to Mark’s remarkable story.

Mark offers his account of his career and achievements with a humour that contrasts sharply with his vivid recollections of the moments when he wondered if he could, or should, continue chasing his dream.

What kept him going? Who helped along the way and how? How did it feel to finally experience the sweet taste of success?  What makes him continue to train and how does he maintain focus going forwards?

Mark answers these questions, and many more, with ease and charm, helping audiences learn from his experiences and take inspiration from them.

Mark’s natural ease and rapport with an audience mean that he is as happy talking to schoolchildren or rowing club audiences as he is delivering a keynote speech to senior management figures.

Listening to Mark was totally inspiring. Our boat will go faster as a result!!”
Group Finance Director

“I’ve met a few inspirational speakers over the years but Mark has set a new benchmark. A compelling story delivered without notes that took us on his journey through initial crushing defeat, that 4 years later became Olympic glory. The key point for me was the number of elements that Mark drew out to underline the relevance to life in business; 2 months on I’m still telling a number of people every week about the impact his talk had on me. Our boat will continue to go faster on the back of it.”
Managing Director Owned Stores

“We invited Mark to talk to a group of fifty of our key clients during Henley week. Mark's contribution to our day was absolutely first class. He is a very capable public speaker and his presentation captivated our guests who were able to listen to a World class athlete detailing the level of commitment and teamwork that it takes to achieve and sustain success in a highly competitive environment. One of our guests described Mark's talk as being 'truly inspirational'. Mark is very personable and was comfortable chatting with our guests on a one to one basis. I am pleased to be able to recommend Mark to you.”
BG Energy Holdings Plc

“Mark responded well to our brief, tailoring his speech to consolidate and expand on the themes of our day. This combined with his Q&A session led to some great anecdotes and a natural engagement with the audience with some very positive feedback afterwards. Highly Recommended.”
Invista Real Estate Investment Management

Mark Hunter writes for the Evening Standard about how, after crossing the line in his Olympic final, he felt so low.  Winning gold was all that mattered..

http://www.standard.co.uk/olympics/rowing/mark-hunter-it-hurts-its-just-still-raw-i-cant-watch-the-race-or-even-read-the-papers-8009462.html?origin=internalSearch

Emily Tench won the Mykindacrowd Mark Hunter Challenge where she submitted her fitness plan! We joined Emily and Mark at Eton Dorney rowing lake on a beautiful day in June, Emily tells us her story of her experience meeting with Gold Olympian – Mark Hunter.

http://www.mykindacrowd.com/Blog/Details/winner-emily-tench-meets-mark-hunterMark Hunter joined executive chef Daniele Pampagnin, of Cecconi's restaurant in London, for a cooking lesson, click the link below:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-14402966