Mark Hunter MBE

Mark Hunter is a double Olympic medallist, winning a gold medal in Beijing and a silver in London.

Mark's rowing career started at the age of 14 at the Poplar Blackwall & District Rowing Club where, having been introduced to the sport by his father, his dream of representing his country was born and his desire to achieve Olympic glory stirred.

He quickly progressed through the GB rowing ranks, representing his country in the World Junior Championships in 1995 and 1996 before going on to achieve success at the U23 World Rowing Championships from 1997 to 2000.

In 2001 Mark Hunter made the important decision to change class and race as a lightweight, and he has never looked back.

Success in the men's four in 2004 during the World Cup series was followed by being appointed captain of the prestigious Leander Club in 2005 and a win in the double scull in 2006 World Cup. Then, in 2008, a year in which he and Zac Purchase were the only unbeaten crew in world rowing, he confirmed his status as one of the leading rowers in his class by winning an Olympic gold medal in emphatic style.

Following his triumph in China, Mark took a year away from competitive rowing and spent time coaching at UCLA. Watching his athletes compete reminded Mark why he loved training and competing so much, and he returned to the UK with his eyes firmly on winning back his place in the boat.

In 2010 and 2011, confirming that they were back at the top of their game, Mark and Zac won consecutive World Championships in impressive style.

Mark and Zac's final race in London 2012 was one of the most gripping of the Olympic regatta and their post-race interview captured the hearts of the nation and they have been held up as examples of the Olympic spirit.

An East London local and lifelong West Ham fan, Mark Hunter is a Freeman of the River Thames and has a regular column in London's Evening Standard. He was supported by British Airways, BMW, Capita Symonds and Anglian Windows on his journey to London 2012.

Mark Hunter MBE is a warm, honest and articulate motivational speaker who brings with him a story of success and, more importantly, an awareness of what it takes to achieve. Mark offers his account of his career and achievements with a humour that contrasts sharply with his vivid recollections of the moments when he wondered if he could, or should, continue chasing his dream.

What kept him going? Who helped along the way and how? How did it feel to finally experience the sweet taste of success? What makes him continue to train and how does he maintain focus going forwards?

Mark answers these questions, and many more, with ease and charm, helping audiences learn from his experiences and take inspiration from them.

Mark’s natural ease and rapport with an audience mean that he is as happy talking to schoolchildren or rowing club audiences as he is delivering a keynote speech to senior management figures.

Key themes – team work, leadership, dealing with setbacks, goal setting.