** When was the first time that you competed in the Indoor Rowing Championships? **

The first time I actually competed was in 2000, the tenth championships. Before then I had always been away training.

** What are the main differences between competing on the water and competing indoors? **

When you are competing indoors height and weight become much more important and you are racing against the machine rather than a field of crews around you. When you are sat on the rowing machine you see the clock constantly telling you your time. It becomes your total focus. Out on the water your focus is on your competitors, on implementing your strategy and being aware of how you are doing in a race, especially if it's a big one!

** Why are the indoor championships so important? **

The championship brings together good athletes from a huge variety of sports and brings in a competitive element. This year I've met so many athletes who train on the Indoor Rower, but have never been on water. That's unique and hopefully will encourage a few more to take up the sport outdoors.

At the indoor race, you are able to pitch yourself against the best athletes in the field in a fair fight. You race against the clock and if you are quicker, then you are quicker, it's as simple as that. There are no outside influences which people can use as an excuse.

There are simply no other sports I know about where you can actually compete literally alongside the best on a level playing field. I guess that for the non-rowers and up and coming oarsmen, that's one of the key draws. In 2001 I had a fantastic race with Matthew, and without a doubt we were definitely both 'up' for a fantastic race. I would imagine it's just the same for everyone. Indoor rowing is much more accessible to people and gives anyone who gets down to the gym to keep fit this unique opportunity to be competitive.

** How did you first get into rowing? **

It was through my school, Kingston Grammar, I tried it one summer when I was young and got hooked. That was it. I've not looked back since.

** How would I or anybody else get into rowing? **

As it's not something most people can do through school you would have to go and find a club, there are a lot around. Alternatively, get very fit and strong, pull a huge score on the machine and come to the champs to do it. There are always lots of experienced coaches looking for promising athletes. One of our top scullers, Debbie Flood, was an indoor rowing champion first.

** Can anyone do it? **

I'm not sure if everyone could win the indoor championships, but anyone can having a go at rowing - on the water or on the machine. It's good for general fitness and great fun, whatever level you participate at. The key is enjoying it.

** What do you prefer, indoors or out? **

It has to be out on the water, that is where I first caught the bug. But if they started giving Olympic Golds for indoor rowing instead, I'd switch to indoors.

** How important is indoor rowing in relation to your training programme? **

It's very important. In the winter we have to train indoors, and with the flooding we can't go out on the rivers at all. During the winter we do almost all of our training indoors.

Is there a difference in technique between using a rowing machine and rowing in a boat? When you're on a rowing machine you can only go forwards and backwards and the movement is more regulated. A boat moves around much more and is very, very nervous, so as well as going for it, you are always very aware of the rhythm and technique required to harness your strength and power.

You also have to be slightly more accurate, instead of the handle you have oars, which have to go cleanly into the water in a consistent way.

But having said that, the body shape and the pain or more or less the same.

** Is rowing becoming more popular? **

I think it is, and the more media profile it receives the better it will be. There has been a definite increase in the number of students involved in their university boat clubs since the Olympics. Ideally I'd like to see more state schools getting involved, and this is something that the AXA PPP healthcare indoor championships is excellent for encouraging.

** What is your main advice for people wanting to get into the sport? **

You have got to enjoy it. And if you enjoy it, stay with it and you will get better. You need to have commitment, fitness and teamwork, and it provides all these things. It's a good sport.

** What's the worst thing that has ever happened to you in your career? **

Getting tonsillitis the day before Atlanta. I had to pull out and lost four years of training.

** How long would you have taken to train for today? **

For today I would have liked to have done three months training, the Americans did two, I'm not sure whether I'd have beaten them or not, and we didn't have a chance to find out.

** Do you ever feel like giving it all up? **

Not recently. Of course there are times when I don't feel like getting up and going training, but I haven't felt like giving it all up for a while.

** What is it that keeps you going then? **

Athens.

** Are you going to be here to race next year? **

I'd like to race next year, and I'm going to try to be here.

** And finally with all the training, how do you relax, are you another sportsman who plays golf? **

Oh no. I ride my motorbike, listen to music and spend time with my friends and my wife.

I'm not a golfer!