The Ink Link: Declan Willliams- For The Love of Rowing

The Ink Link is an ongoing project at CN&CO that showcases tattoos in the workplace. One of the great things about a tattoo is it goes against the commonly-held viewpoint that “what you see is what you get”. There’s a misguided belief in certain quarters that in order to be a working professional, it is categorically *impossible* to have a tattoo… because how can someone with a tattoo be a professional? We are putting paid to that perception through the stories showcased in the Ink Link. If you or anyone you know would like to be featured, please get in contact with us.

In this instalment of the Ink Link, we get to know Declan Williams. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because Declan is the president of the University of Johannesburg Rowing Club(UJRC), which has been rather successful of late, having done exceptionally well in the 2016 World University Rowing Championships in Europe. We sat down with the athlete to discuss all things rowing… and, of course, his tattoos!

But first, a snippet on how he got introduced to this sport and his achievements thus far:

• How and why did you get into rowing?

“Rowing is a popular sport at St Stithians Boys College, where I went to high school and now teach. I initially started with cricket but I wasn’t any good, so I tried my hand at rowing and because of my stature I made a pretty good coxswain. And as they say, the rest is history!”

• Tell us a bit about some of your achievements

“We came second at the South African Champs in the 8+ and the 4+ ( boat for eight and four rowers respectively including the Coxswain). We also came sixth in the 2016 World University Rowing Championships”

• The national rowing squad requires lots of support and funding to make it to the Olympics. Who is supporting you, and rowing in general, in your campaign for Tokyo 2020?

“I have a rowing scholarship from University of Johannesburg, where I am currently pursuing a BCom in marketing management. I am also a teaching intern at St Stithians Boys’ College, so that pays the rest of my tuition.”

CN&CO, together with clients such as RMB and Team Power House, is a proud sponsor of the national rowing squad, which is home to the South African Rowing International Commission and they are responsible for the support & preparations of all SA National Rowing Teams.

And now about Declan’s body art:

• How many tattoos do you have and where did you get it/them done?

“Just one so far on the inside of my bicep. I got it done at SA Hardcore Tattoos in Parkhurst by the talented Lileen Van den Berg”.

• What does your tattoo symbolize?

“I got this tattoo after the 2016 World University Championships. So I see it as a trophy case for my achievements in rowing.It follows that the more international events I participate in and win, the more tattoos I’ll get.”

• Do you think tattoos should always have a meaning?

“I think that’s subjective. One thing my mother said about tattoos is, “think about your tattoo idea and if you still want it in three months, then get it!”  But that’s not to say that tattoos should always be deep; rather they should tell a story – like all art should.” 

•  And finally, what is your take on tattoos in the workplace?

“I get that historically there were stereotypes about people with tattoos, but times are different now. I think as long as they are not offensive and they comply with company morals then they shouldn’t affect your work. For example, I got mine in an inconspicuous place because I am a  teacher at a Methodist school. I do, however, think that there should be a mutual respect for both those who understand tattoos and those who don’t.