Mike
McKay

Mike McKay is one of the founding crew members of the Oarsome Foursome - four Melbourne rowers who took on and defeated the best in the world.

Previous experience

McKay together with James Tomkins, Nick Green and Andrew Cooper, took the rowing world by storm in the early 1990's earning the "Oarsome" name and reputation with convincing victories in the 1990 and 1991 World Championships, and the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games.

Following Barcelona, Andrew Cooper retired from the Oarsome Foursome and Drew Ginn took his place in the boat. Despite taking a break from competitive rowing for nearly three years the new Oarsome Foursome successfully defended their Olympic title in Atlanta 1996. McKay's leadership in Atlanta was rewarded with selection as Australia's flag bearer at the closing ceremony.

His Olympic success continued when he won silver at the Sydney games as a member of the Australian men's eight. Considered one of Australia's most successful oarsman, McKay competed in his fifth and final Olympics in Athens where he came home with his fourth Olympic medal, winning bronze in the Men's Eighth.

Recognised for his leadership qualities both on and off the water, McKay coupled his sporting efforts with key roles in administration. From 1997 to 2000, he served as an AOC Board Member and chaired the AOC Athlete's Committee.

Current work

Having retired from international rowing following the Athens Olympics, McKay has become a highly sought after public speaker and facilitator, covering a vast array of topics including success, teamwork, goal-setting, ownership, passion and enthusiasm, adversity, team selection and culture change among many others.

With strong communication and management skills, McKay can run a variety of corporate and group programs from team building workshops to key note talks. McKay is also experienced in presenting to both domestic and international audiences ranging from small groups of senior management to 15,000 people.

McKay is a highly respected analytical commentator and has been a regular on a number of television programs including Sportsworld.

Renowned as one of the country's most distinguished Olympians, McKay offers a unique perspective and experience from his illustrious international sporting career.