Athlete in the Spotlight: Jack Beaumont

August 15, 2014

GB Rowing Team news caught up recently with Jack Beaumont in the first of a series of spotlight features on squad members. We’ll add another each month so look out for future editions. Tweet us via @GBRowingTeam if there is an athlete you would like to see featured in September or October.

JACK BEAUMONT

Birthdate: 21st November 1993
Height: 188cm
Weight: 88kg
Hometown: Maidenhead
Education: Birbeck College, University of London
Began rowing in: 2004
Clubs: Maidenhead RC, Sir Wiliam Borlase’s School BC, Leander Club

GB Rowing Team World U23 medallist Jack Beaumont, has been forging a name for himself over the last three years as one of the most promising young talents coming up through the ranks.

The 20 year-old has struck up a formidable partnership in the double scull recently with his Leander teammate Angus Groom, but his reputation had been growing before this.

The former Sir William Borlase Grammar School student was nurtured originally through his school’s rowing club but also at Maidenhead BC and through rowing’s Advanced Apprenticeship in Sport (AASE) scheme.

At the Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney last year, Beaumont won three medals in three separate events. A gold medal in the men’s single scull was followed by a silver medal in the quad and to cap off an outstanding competition, Jack was part of GB’s bronze medal-winning men’s eight crew.

His development has continued in 2014, as he competed at the GB Rowing Team Senior Trials in April finishing fifth in the men’s single scull where he lined up against the likes of Alan Campbell, Charles Cousins and John Collins.

In July 2014 Jack was part of the crew that successfully defended their Prince of Wales Challenge Cup title at Henley Royal Regatta, having won the event in 2013. He also has a 2012 Fawley Challenge Cup win at Henley to his name.

Jack pushed on again from the win at Henley to secure a bronze medal in the men’s double scull with Groom at the U23 World Rowing Championships in Varese, Italy. This victory was dubbed “a big step forward for GB men’s sculling” by GB Rowing Team Performance Director Sir David Tanner.

After his success in Varese, we spoke to Jack about all things rowing-related, as well as life outside the sport.

GBRT: How and why did you first start rowing?

JB: My Dad was an international rower [Peter Beaumont, GB M8+ at 1988 Olympic Games] and he asked if I wanted to try it out. Initially I was smaller than everyone so I didn’t enjoy it as I kept losing!

GRBT: What has been your biggest success and your biggest disappointment in the sport so far?

JB: My biggest success has to be winning a bronze medal in the double scull with Angus at the U23 World Championships. My biggest disappointment was missing out on the ‘A’ final at the Junior World Championships in 2011.

GBRT: What are some of your most memorable moments in your career so far?

JB: When I was first selected to row for Great Britain at the Junior Worlds in 2010. Also, winning the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup at Henley Regatta in a record time last year.

GBRT: What aspirations do you have within the sport?

JB: I want to win an Olympic gold medal.

GBRT: Who is your best friend within the rowing set up and why?

JB: Probably Marcus Bowyer – more commonly known as ‘Booyah’. We have rowed together since we were 15 and we’ve been through lots of ups and downs. We just have a good laugh when we are together, although it’s normally because we are up to no good!

GBRT: Who do you look up to?

JB: The kiwi pair. I find it incredible how one crew can be so dominant in their event and yet they keep striving to improve.

GBRT: What hobbies and hidden talents do you have?

JB: I work part-time repairing boats at ES Rowing Services which I really enjoy. I also like to play guitar when I find the time.

GBRT: What are some of your favourite bands?

JB: Right now I am loving Metallica, especially after watching their set at Glastonbury this year which was awesome! My ergo playlist includes a lot of heavy metal – it gets very mixed reactions!

GBRT: Favourite books?

JB: “The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” are favourites of mine.

GBRT: Favourite films and TV shows?

JB: Beavis and Butthead Do America is definitely up there, those guys are hilarious – stuff like that is especially good when I’m tired after training!

GBRT: What qualifications and job aspirations do you have outside of rowing?

JB: I am currently doing a BSc in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I’m not 100% sure what I want to do after rowing, probably either teaching or policing.

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