Mark Hunter

Two-time Olympic medalist, Mark Hunter is a British Rower who has represented Team GB at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. As the current Programme Director and interim CEO at London Youth Rowing, Hunter is an ideal figure for sharing wisdom surrounding mental resilience, achieving peak performance, drive and determination whilst engaging audiences with incredible and fast-paced stories from his Olympic career. Introduced to the sport by his father as the age of 14, Mark established an impressive skillset whilst rowing with the Poplar Blackwall & District Rowing Club. Later on, whilst he was attending Havering Sixth Form College, Mark began representing Havering at the London Youth Games.

At the very beginning of his Olympic career, Hunter was chosen to compete at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games but was left disappointed when his crew finished last in their event. Returning home with a newfound drive and passion to change, Mark became the captain of the highly regarded Leander Club where he rediscovered his confidence and ability as a rower. His undeniable talent on the water took him to partner up with Zac Purchase and compete and win medals at various events including the World Cup Regatta and the World Rowing Championships. The duo became the most successful crew in world rowing as they went on unbeaten and managed to secure themselves a place at the 2008 Olympic Games.

The duo went onto make history as Team GB’s first-ever duo to win a lightweight medal and Olympic gold at the Bejing Games. Mark was then appointed to become the assistant coach of UCLA Women’s Rowing Programme before beginning training once more in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games. The now internationally recognised crew continued to display their incredible partnership as they took gold at both the 2010 and 2011 World Championships before securing silver in a highly eventful race at the London Games.

In recognition of his efforts to sport, Mark was inducted into the London Youth Games Hall of Fame, named Freeman of the River Thames, awarded Freedom of the City of London and was appointed MBE in 2009. In 2011 he was awarded the Olympic Athlete of the Year Award within rowing before announcing his retirement in 2013. Now a patron of the Brain Tumour Research charity, Hunter has become a keen and generous philanthropist. A highlight of his career came when he was appointed as a Heward Stanley of the Henley Royal Regatta in 2014. An incredibly driven and positive role model, Mark Hunter is an ideal speaker for a variety of events held by schools, sports or corporate organisations. His inspiring story on how he went from good to great leaves audiences feeling empowered and with a newfound determination to make a difference in their work style.