Steve Redgrave in the November issue of Reader’s Digest magazine
SIR STEVE REDGRAVE talks about what makes a winner and his inspirations including is hero Emil Zatopek, winner of 18 world records:
“He trained like a demon, running through the snow in army boots, and that really struck a chord with me. I remember rowing in winter with ice in my hair and hailstones that left red marks through two layers of clothing. Not many people want to push the boundaries of comfort and I didn’t either, but I was inspired by the need to win.”
And Steve’s real thoughts about footballers…
“I’ve rowed for 25 years without getting any financial reward….when I won my first gold medal in Los Angeles, I did think there was a chance that when I came back I’d be mobbed in the streets, but it didn’t happen. Rowers aren’t footballers who earn ridiculous amounts of money. Even the top rowing coaches don’t get paid very much.”