It’s official. Christmas has landed and with it the long-awaited John Lewis and Partners 2019 Christmas advert. This year, it features Edgar the Exiteable Dragon, a sweet tale of Christmas joy.
Or perhaps not.
Currently (Friday morning) the John Lewis ad in number one on YouTube trending, reaching almost 7 million views in the past 36 hours, it is clear Edgar has touched the hearts of the nation; but what about us rowers?
In case you haven’t yet seen it, Edgar the dragon is wildly excitable about Christmas, yet as dragons tend to be, is a bit of an arsonist. The tale ends with Edgar using his fire breathing tendencies to bring a community together at Christmas, in which he teaches those watching a valuable lesson: If you can’t change it, weaponise it.
This is such a fundamental idea in sport that it is often overlooked, but when you examine it, the idea can be applied to more scenarios than we may initially see.
It’s happened to us all, the race is looming, whether it be SHORR, Henley, Nat Schools or any other significant race. We trace our finger through the crew list… further and further… until eventually the name – your name – is found, the last sub, barely on the page.
Confusion? Anger? Sadness? All these emotions flood us when we realise our miles on winter ergs and buckets of summer sweat have been for nothing. Some, if it’s at a convenient time in their lives drop out, never to walk through boathouse shutters again. Others – most – defeated, accept their apparent mediocrity and while out their days as schoolboys in lower boats, perhaps coming close to the second eight at time trials, but never really having the determination to come back.
But a small yet brilliant minority do an Edgar, and with the help of their coaches, friends and own mental steel come back from the edge.
Looking for a Famous example? Just take James Cracknell.
A successful international with a wealth of Olympic and World Championship racing under his belt, not to mention a significant number of medals around his neck, Cracknell left the race circuit behind and embarked on adventures of his own. One of which, many feared would be his last.
In July 2010, James was involved in a Lorry v bike RTA whilst on a Pan-America cycling tour, an accident that had left his memory in pieces, and his personality severely altered after a traumatic brain injury.
Most assumed that this would knock the life out of James, certainly after he himself said he was “Lucky to be alive” after his accident. But did that stop him? No. Far from it.
Fast forward to March 2019, and we find James crossing the line victorious in the 165th Boat Race, the oldest ever person to row the course, let alone come away a victor.
“I was lucky to be alive”
James Cracknell
How did he do it? He used his accident to his advantage, turning his frustration into wattage and determination; becoming a media sensation in the process.
Rowing and the wider sporting world is dotted with these stories, heartwarming and inspiring on the surface, but psychologically fascinating on a deeper level.
We are lucky enough to be in a sport that places raw power under the facade of enviable ease, in beautiful countryside and sprawling urban centres. Why is it then, that there is a disproportionate drop off rate after junior years?
Because rowing, is brutal.
No one remembers the silver medalists, the second placers, the “almost made it” crew. Instead, the front pages of Instagram and the papers alike are adorned with gold crews. It’s only human to step away and find something easier; which is why Edgar the Dragon can teach us to be a little less human.
When Edgar is shunned from society, he uses his unusual ability to make friends and unite a town.
In the boat, you’re powerful but not the most technically proficient? Make yourself an engine until your wattage can no longer be ignored.
A great cox suddenly has a growth spurt? Read up on navigation, communication and motivation until your proactive methods of racing can save a failing race.
Mahe Drysdale was never the most elegant sculler, yet he won the Diamond Challenge Sculls no less than six times.
The Kiwi pair of Murray and Bond never quite managed to be the first out of the blocks, yet by 1,500M no one could catch them, and on a foggy day, they would disappear from view entirely.
Be an Inspiration. Be an Edgar.
Ed Evans
Opinions Editor
Enjoyed our early look at Christmas? be sure to check out our other feature articles here, and click here to watch the 2019 John Lewis & Partners advert.
Cover Image Credit: John Lewis & Partners
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