Glasgow University rowers return from Russia with love

For most athletes finishing fifth in any competition would be termed a disappointment. But for Glasgow University Boat Club’s (GUBC) Michael McNaul and Daniel Graham, it was their “best result” against a host of Europe’s best rowers.

Against the odds, the GUBC double scull pair overcame unexpected logistical problems to make it to the Krylatskoe Canoeing and Rowing Course in Russia, contending with a lack of sleep as they attempted to help Great Britain to retain the European University Sports Association (EUSA) Salver.

Speaking to The Journal following his return from the seventh European University Rowing Championships in Moscow, McNaul said: “We were delighted to be included in the GB EUSA squad this year. At the end of last season we found out that the event was going to be held in Moscow, so both Daniel and myself agreed that this was going to be our main aim for the following season.

“It’s Moscow... it’s not every day you would get a chance to go to a place like that – it’s not exactly your number one holiday destination! We both worked very hard during the long winter months. When you are out in the cold and wet at six every morning you really need to keep that goal in mind to keep you motivated and sane.

“All the while, Daniel was doing his final year medic exams, which took a very impressive balancing act on his part. It all paid off though when we got selected after competing at the BUSA regatta around April time. Both of our coaches Chris Logan and Steph McDowall [current GUSA sports man and woman of the year] worked very hard with us to get us there and we have a lot to thank them for.”

After winning the EUSA Salver in 2010, GB could only take bronze this year as 10 of their teams withdrew before the competition began. Hosts Russia, meanwhile, benefitted from having their best crews at the event.

“The event was of a higher standard as the worl d universities was not taking place this year, which meant the standard of the Europeans was bumped up,” added McNaul. “It was a real experience to come up against these world class full-time athletes, world champions and Olympians.

“I think we can take a lot of positives out of the event, the squad knew they were up there with some big opponents and everybody was up for the challenge, it was a quality team atmosphere. Russia and Germany pipped GB to first and second respectively, they were both very good.”

Despite finding out about the venue for the regatta well in advance, McNaul admits travelling to Moscow still threw up a few surprises. And while other crews pulled out, there was no chance they were going to let their hard work and training go to waste.

“We both went into the event not knowing what to expect. This season we were Scottish champions, but we both realised there would be a big difference between being Scottish champions and European champions.

“We went into the race to give it our all and to see what happens. Our initial aim was to make it to the A final. Thankfully we achieved this; however we did not get off to the best of starts.

“On heading out to Moscow there was a mix up with our visas, so we had to get emergency visas and a midnight flight the next day. This meant we turned up to our heat without having slept for 36 hours. For the first time in my rowing career I properly understood the importance of pre-race preparation, after the first 100m gone we were both wrecked and running on empty.

“In true Glasgow fashion though we fought through right to the finish line. We then had a full day to recover for the final so we both went off to sleep and sample the Russian food, which was surprisingly nice. Refreshed and psyched, we really attacked the final. This was our last race in this boat, and Daniel’s last race for the university, so we wanted to go out with a bang.

“We had our best race of the season and finishing fifth, less than a second off the Swiss in fourth. Of course we would have liked to have placed higher but we raced the best we could have so we were pretty satisfied with the result. Being fifth in Europe is pretty cool.”

Imogen Walsh, a former GUBC captain, recently won gold in the world championships in Slovenia, and is the latest in a line of success stories as GUBC continues to produce exceptional rowers, many of whom have gone on to form part of the senior Scottish rowing team.

Asked if there was anyone at GUBC The Journal readers should watch out for over the next year, McNaul said: “Most of these people are returning for another season at the club with more promising rowers coming up through. So really what I am saying is, watch out for the whole club. World domination!”