A front row seat to success
Michael Poulter (left) in action
Monash University student and rowing champion Michael Poulter is a clear proof that men can multitask.
In the lead up to the World Championships in late July, Michael has been training between 14 to 17 times a week on top of studying for his Bachelor of Science degree.
The rising star is gunning for another podium finish after winning four gold medals at the 2011 National Championship in a series of outstanding performances.
Michael’s motivation comes with being selected to represent Australia on the world stage.
“Being sat down in a room with eight other guys and officially being told we were the Australian men's under 23 eight was, well hard to explain really. Very relieving, gratifying, humbling, exciting,” he said.
The 20-year-old credits Monash’s Elite Athlete Support Program for giving him the ability to manage his academic goals despite his demanding sporting career.
“(Monash is) very supportive and understanding of sporting commitments and so is the coaching staff of uni work and so both parties are really helpful,” he says.
The framework of support around Michael has allowed him to make a strong commitment to the Australian squad.
He is currently in Adelaide for an intensive nine-week training program to prepare for the championships to be held in Amsterdam.