“Point two, never again!” – How South African rowers took Olympic glory

On 11 August 2016, rowing duo Lawrence Brittain (25) and Shaun Keeling (29) made South Africa proud by winning a silver medal in the men’s coxless pairs event at the Rio Olympics. And while the medal is an achievement in itself, the story behind “the big race” and their training leading up to Rio is more inspiring than you may be aware.

At the second world cup in Switzerland the duo had finished fourth, 0.2 seconds behind the second- and third-placed teams, in an incredibly close race. Through their final preparations for Rio, they would constantly remind one another about the 0.2 and how they would never let it be that close again. So with 500m to go in the Rio final, Lawrence called to Shaun, “Point two, never again!”. Their passion and power got them that silver medal in the final stretch.

There are so many lessons for business from sport, especially at Olympic level. One example is Shaun who, as a 21-year-old,won Olympic bronze in Beijing. , From there, he failed to qualify for London in 2012, and then came back to win a silver in Rio with his partner Lawrence – who had cancer two years ago!

A prime example of determination, passion, planning, commitment and focus – just like business.

Over the next two months, Lawrence and Shaun will visit various companies and brands to give inspiring and energetic presentations/talks to their teams. If you and your company are keen to book the duo for a corporate talk, we have various options available and the pair can tailor their presentation specifically to suit your company’s ethos or needs.

If you have any particular requests or would like more information, don’t hesitate to contact Blake Dyason