Finding Her Coxing Voice: Erin Kennedy

Image Credit: World Rowing

To be a successful cox, it is clear that you must be calm, confident and imbue a sense of coherence to your crew. What is usually overlooked though is the fighting spirit you must possess and the inherent competitive streak that marks out the best coxes in the world. Erin Kennedy – Paralympic champion and three-time world champion – is the very definition of fighting spirit. After winning a year-long battle against breast cancer from 2022 to 2023, she returned to the coxing seat of the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four to win the European Championships and set herself on the pathway to another Paralympic gold in Paris.

How did you first get into coxing?

I started coxing at Pembroke College, Oxford. I actually began during Fresher’s Week when I went down to the boathouse to see what all the fuss was about! I never looked back. Unlike a lot of coxes, I have barely ever rowed… I am far better at telling people how to do it, rather than doing it myself.

What really kept you involved in the very beginning and how has that evolved over the years?

I stuck with rowing for two reasons really – firstly, I loved how unique the role of the cox is, there is nothing like it in any other sport. You are right there in the field of play, trying to get the best out of everyone around you. The second was the people – I love getting to train with such a dedicated bunch every day and that hasn’t really changed from when I started to the GB squad today. Coxing challenges me to innovate, think creatively and be very attuned to others around me. I don’t think that has ever really changed!

What was your first club like and how important were they to your growth?

 My first club was Pembroke, and it was hugely developmental for me – it taught me how to work as a team, the importance of shared values and the power of a shared goal. We were all working hard towards one thing and that is a hugely powerful thing – if you have momentum, you are halfway there! I will always be so grateful to Pembroke and everything they did for me – I am still really involved now and I love going back to visit and coxing for them whenever I can!

How would you define your coxing style?

Confident, in control and four steps ahead of everyone else!

In your opinion, what is the most important attribute a successful coxswain must imbue?

I always want my team to feel like they have an advantage over everyone else because I am in the boat with them.

What has been your favourite coxing memory?

Probably winning the European Champs whilst I was on chemotherapy. It took a village to get me there but, when I was on the water, it was just me and the crew doing what we did best. A small part of me didn’t know if that was my last ever race for GB and I savoured every moment. It was a very personal moment to me, but then it was a privilege to share it with my friends, family, and the rest of the world who I knew would all know someone impacted by cancer.

What was the biggest learning curve during your coxing journey and how did you tackle it?

Adding tone to my coxing – it is such a hard to change to make but it really transformed my coxing. It took a lot of work, listening to recordings, working with my coach but it led to a really positive change that allowed me to get the most out of the crew.

It is well-documented that you fought breast cancer as an international cox. How did that journey play out and influence your sporting career?

It is a long story but ultimately, it is summarized by a few things. Awareness, teamwork, and resilience! Firstly, I was regularly checking myself and I am so glad I was because I caught my cancer early and I gave myself the best chance at an early diagnosis and therefore, better odds of recovery. Sport prepared me so well for cancer treatment – I was able to compartmentalise, rely on my teammates (which now included oncologists through to surgeons and breast care nurses) and try to be the best patient possible. I ate well, continued to exercise where I could, pre-habbed/re-habbed properly after my surgery and kept focusing on my overall goals. It was a tough time but with the right people around me and knowing I was doing everything possible to get better, I knew I had a fighting chance of recovery and returning to international competition.

What is the one bit of advice you would give to a new cox trying to find his or her voice?

Don’t try to copy anyone else – it won’t help you if you’re trying to imitate another cox! I would encourage you to develop your own style and work with your coach and crew to get continuous feedback as the person/boat you’re working with will need different things from you at different times. Be confident, don’t be afraid to make mistakes and remember nobody is as good at being you as you are.

How crucial is high quality equipment (like NK) to set you up for success?

I exclusively use NK products and I can always rely on them for accuracy, and they will do the job I need them to do. I wouldn’t use anything else.

How have NK supported you on your journey to an internationally-renowned cox?

NK have been great, allowing me to try out different products to see what fits best and they are always at the end of the phone if I ever need anything. I usually use a speedcoach and an NK Mini in the four, as it is lighter as a combo, and it means the box isn’t in my line of sight as I am in a bow-loader. They loaned me one to try out and it has been my go-to piece of equipment since pre-Tokyo Games.

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