Name: Frankie Reihill

Sport: Rowing

How did you become involved in your sport?

When I was in Year Nine at St Michael’s College a friend suggested that we go to an introductory session at the Boat Club.

What is it that you love about your sport?

I love the competitive nature of the sport and the friendships that I have made. The strangers you meet on day one become a big part of your life and great friendships are formed. You also get to travel to many different locations to compete.

What are your earliest sporting memories?

My earliest sporting memories would have to be playing golf with my dad, early on Sunday mornings.

Who was, or is, your biggest influence?

I have been very lucky to have great influences from the great coaches at Enniskillen Royal Boat Club.

Who do you look up to in your chosen sport?

I admire Phelan Hill, a former GB Cox, he has a great ability to gel a crew together in order to work towards a common goal. He has a vast amount of knowledge on the sport and I have learned a lot from him.

Could you give us an example of what a typical week involves for yourself?

Due to the global pandemic at the moment, we are limited with the amount of training we can do; but in a normal year; during the lead up to regatta season, we would normally train approximately seven sessions a week. I also cycle twice a week in order to keep my weight down for coxing.

What do you think is the key to being successful in sport?

Rowing is a team sport so in order to be successful there are no individuals, no room for egos, everyone is on a level and focused on making the boat go faster.

What have been your biggest successes to date?

My biggest success to date would have to be winning the 2019 Junior 8+ at the Irish Championships in Cork and being awarded the Enniskillen Royal Boat Club President’s prize this year.

What are your goals for the future?

I would love to race at Henley Royal Regatta.

What bit of advice would you offer to anybody starting out in your chosen sport?

Don’t hesitate to give rowing a go, it can be an exceptionally rewarding sport and you will form great friendships.