Jane Williams meets the latest teenage Also instrumental to Zak’s progress as the new kid
prospect to emerge in Welsh Rowing. on the block is Ian Shore. He is making waves in the
sport by bringing fresh talent through the ranks and
Bouncing up the stairs of the Welsh Institute of has certainly had the thumbs up from Zak.
Sport, Zak Lee-Green has a huge smile on his face.
And he has a lot to be happy about. “I know people who are choosing to study at Cardiff
University – just so they can train with Ian. He
At 18-years-old, Wales National Coach Ian Shore could get a rower to the Olympics in the future. He
has tipped him for the top. Although he only made should not be underestimated.”
the jump from his school club to the Welsh squad
last October, he is already limbering up for the He is also keen to credit his school, Ysgol Gyfun
World Junior Championship trials in July. Gymraeg Plasmawr in Cardiff.
“The Juniors Worlds is a really big ask. GB only “I have had so much support from the teachers.
sends athletes who it expects to medal,” he They fi rst got me into the sport and they have also
explained. been really understanding as I have had to juggle my
A levels with training.”
“I look up to people like Tom James and Tom Lucy.
They’re both from Wales, they’ve medalled at So infectious is Zak’s enthusiasm and energy, I
World Juniors and gone on to win Olympic medals contemplate joining the local rowing club . . . until
– they’re a great inspiration. he spells out his demanding schedule.
“Every athlete dreams of walking around with the “I set the alarm for 05:43. That gives me two
Union Jack on their back.” minutes to check my heart rate and body weight.
My clothes are ready on the fl oor in a pile – in the
Helping him to get there is the Sports Council for order that I need to put them on,” he laughs.
Wales’ Sports Science and Medicine team.
“I throw some porridge in me and then hop on my
“They have videos and pictures of me so they bike to training. I don’t mind getting in a boat even if
can analyse me completely! I am working with it’s wet and windy.
Kathryn, the nutritionist, which is going to be really
important” he said. “It is when you are pushing hard, your body is
screaming at you to stop – but you know that going
“Once I reach senior level, I’ll be racing lightweight the extra mile might make you go two seconds
so she is advising me on calorie intake. Sian (the quicker by the end of the season. That’s what
head physio) has already made an immediate impact keeps me going.”
and I also have a physiologist testing my fi tness.
“It’s so good to get this sort of
support. I have a team around
me who I have complete
trust in.”
Zak Lee-Green
Brought to you in association with
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24
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issue7twothousand&nine
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