Drew
Ginn OAM

Drew Ginn is one of Australia's most distinguished rowers to have successfully represented Australia over four Olympic games. Throughout his long rowing career, Drew has won gold medals at both the Olympics and World Championships on several occasions.

Previous experience

After his 1995 international debut at age 20, Drew found himself in the Oarsome Foursomeahead of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games. It was here that Drew realisedhis childhood dream of representing Australia and further, winning gold in the Men's Coxless Four. Following his Olympic success,

Awards:

Drew was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1997 and was recognized as one of Australia's most promising athletes.

Drew then continued to dominate as he went on to win gold at the World Championships in 1998 and 1999 as well as being awarded the honourableAustralian Sports Medal in 2000. However,in 2000, Drew's success came to an abrupt halt as he faced a career-threatening back injury. As a result, Drew had to abandon his Sydney Olympics appearance altogether.

After his absence in the world of rowing, Drew returned to the sport soon after, resuming his dominance. In 2003, Drew won gold in the World Championships and earned himself a place in the 2003 Crew of the Year. In 2004, Drew rowed alongside friend and champion, James Tomkins, in the Men's Coxless Pair at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Keen to atone his previous Olympic disappointment, Ginn and Tomkins combined brilliantly together and consequently won Gold in what was described as a perfect'display by former Oarsome Foursome teammate, Nick Green.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Gin successfully defended his Men's Coxless Pairs title after winning gold in the event. After the event, Ginn could barely walk as a result of his ongoing back injury and it was then that he turned to cycling as a means ofkeeping fit. However,Drew showed great ability in the sport and in 2009, won the Oceania Cycling Championships – unbelievable.

Drew returned to the Olympics in the 2012 London Games where he finished off a highly-distinguished rowing career with a Silver medal in the Men's Coxless Four. Drew has been one of Australia's most successful athletes and his ability to overcome the adversities he faced is a testament to his character. Drew is now a proud family man who divides his time between his current commitments as the National Head Coach of Rowing Australia and keynote speaking engagements and seminars.