Originally published at https://nksports.com/blog/finding-his-coxswain-voice
Being the best is such an abstract concept. Best has a certain subjectivity to it – how can we define best in the context of differing environments, standards, and people? To be the best in a small field is tough; being the best across a certain demographic is complex; being the best in the world at your chosen pursuit is nigh on impossible.
Having won the 2022 World Rowing Championships in the coxing seat of the British men’s eight, Harry Brightmore can credibly lay claim to the title of best male cox in the world. His journey to the summit of his discipline has been long and winding but NK have supported him all the way from schoolboy to world champion.
How did you first get into coxing?
I started coxing at Kings School Chester when I was 13. I was getting out powered on the football pitch, wanted to try something new, and got roped into the boat club taster sessions…I never looked back!
What really kept you involved in the very beginning and how has that evolved over the years?
In the beginning I enjoyed the responsibility of captaining a boat of people and keeping them in sync. I saw it as a parallel of being the captain of a football team. As I’ve progressed through the sport, I am now really motivated by the prospect of being not just the best I can be, but the best in the world.
What was your first club like and how important were they to your growth?
My first club is still so important to me. I’m forever grateful for the path they led me down, and I still hold many values and ideas that my first coaches taught me.
How would you define your coxing style?
I am aggressive but calculated.
In your opinion, what is the most important attribute a successful coxswain must imbue?
If you can keep your head, while all around you are losing theirs! Staying calm and compartmentalising each situation makes things easier to digest, and easier to make a clear call.
What has been your favourite coxing memory?
The first time I won Henley Royal Regatta in 2016 was the most euphoric feeling. There is nothing like winning a key race with your best friends.
What was the biggest learning curve during your coxing journey and how did you tackle it?
Starting out in the British national team was a big learning curve. Trying to be confident in your leadership around so many experienced and knowledgeable athletes was a challenge. I had a new coach to impress, new teammates, new environments and more pressure to succeed than ever before. Taking one day at a time allowed me to digest small bits at a time, and I never looked further ahead than the week I was on. Eventually, from just staying grounded and committed, I got to a place where I could cox the men’s eight at the World Championships. Sometimes the journey is the key bit, not the end goal.
What is the one bit of advice you would give to a new cox trying to find his or her voice?
If you were to row on an ergo without a screen, or run without a GPS watch, what information would you want to know, and how often would you want to hear it? You don’t need to talk all the time, and sometimes just imparting small but key bits of information every now and again is far better than constant screaming and shouting!
How crucial is high quality equipment (like NK) to set you up for success?
I have used NK coxboxes and speed-coaches all my career. I use the current model of coxbox and having so many bits of information available on one device is so useful to maintaining consistent training in the British men’s eight. When we row on a river or open lake, with no markers, it means we can stay on our correct rhythm and tempo to train at our best.
How have NK supported you on your journey to an internationally-renowned cox?
The customer service I have received from NK representatives and sales teams has been outstanding when I have needed help. I was also lucky enough to trial one of the new models of coxbox when it was about to come out, and I feel very fortunate to get to use their kit!
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