Morgan is the coxswain and rowing coach at St John’s College and is a second year LLB Law student at the University of Johannesburg.
At only 56kg, Morgan is the one factor that can either result in a win or loss for his rowing team, which he explains is a gruelling, yet rewarding task.
“I like how it encourages me to be the best human being that I can be as I am not perfect. Nobody is perfect,” Morgan said.
For those still in the dark of what a coxswain does, one only has to imagine a rowing boat and the tiniest person leading the way.
According to Morgan, a coxswain takes responsibility for the crew, and ensures that they are encouraged all the way.
“You have to be the eyes and ears of the crew and take charge without abusing your power or being forceful,” he explained.
“It’s a whole psychological thing. You have to show confidence and take control. In order to be successful you need to know how to earn the crew’s respect.”
Morgan added that successful coxswains knew and accepted their responsibilities, and were socially savvy.
“You have to know how to read the crew dynamics and athletes’ state of mind and make effective calls based on these,” he added.
Morgan, who starting coxing in 2011 after his coach asked if he was interested, has been competing internationally in the RSA Senior National Squad for the past three years, and has also been organising seminars in South Africa to help grow the skill nationally.
Morgan has just returned from competing at the International Rowing Regatta in Varese, Italy, with his para-rowing team which won a silver medal for Rowing South Africa.
“We had a change in a crew member since the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam last year August, and this was a successful tour for my team in Italy,” he said.
The aspiring lawyer is currently preparing for the Elite World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette, France, which will take place from 30 August to 6 September.
Trollope of the RSA LTAMix4+ rowing crew.
