On Thursday evening 90 members and parents gathered to hear two Olympic gold medallists who both started their competitive rowing careers as juniors at Walton describe their experiences and what it took to reach the top of their sport. Steve Trapmore (Olympic gold medal-winner in Sydney in 2000 and the men’s coach in Paris) talked about the planning for the Olympic cycle, maintaining interest and the competitive spirit. Morgan Bolding (Olympic gold in Paris in 2024) emphasised the need to “follow the process” and work through any disappointments. We then watched the Paris final with the recording of cox Harry Brightmore, amazingly calm in the first 1000m and then building the drive and excitement to the line. There were lots of questions as well as many people wanting to have their photo taken with the gold duo!