A conversation with
Alex Wojciechowski
The Polish men’s quadruple
sculls race their heat at the 2007
World Rowing Championships
in Munich, Germany.
The brains behind poland’s very successful men’s quad is alex wojciechowski. wojciechowski has guided adam Korol,
marek Kolbowicz, michal Jelinski and Konrad wasielewski through to three consecutive world champion titles and now has
olympic gold on his mind.
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Wojciechowski’s passion for rowing goes
back to secondary school when his physical
education teacher introduced him to the
sport with an old 1912 rowing skiff. Later,
going to the Academy of Physical Education
in Poznan, Wojciechowski had found his
niche.
In coaching Wojciechowski says he draws
upon his experience as a competitive rower
and he looks to all other branches of sport,
mainly athletics and weightlifting, to help
build understanding. “It’s a continuous
process (of learning) which lasts to this day,”
says Wojciechowski.
Comparing rowing in Poland to other
countries, Wojciechowski says the pool of
rowing talent in his country is narrow, so
a large selection process is unnecessary.
Wojciechowski cites Germany, England and
France for their large rowing communities
and therefore large possibilities for selection
compared to Poland.
“We all try to reach success by following
different roads,” says Wojciechowski. “It seems
that every coach in every country looks for
their own effective way to victory.”
Wojciechowski takes no credit for the
formation of the champions men’s quad as
it was already together when he came to
be their coach. “My contribution initially was
small, but I think I make up the essential link
of the team now.”
The early success of the quad (the World
Championship title in 2005) Wojciechowski
says brought a feeling of pride and joy but
also a great feeling of relief as only then did
they know their preparation had worked.
Despite the quad going undefeated since
2005 and picking up the World Best Time
during this period, Wojciechowski says there
are still plenty of obstacles to face in the
coming season.
Wojciechowski looks at the whole picture in
creating success, from the behaviour of the
athletes on race day through to the reliability
of transportation at the venue. “You hope not
to be disturbed by sudden changes to the
routine,” adds Wojciechowski.
And where will you find the Polish coach
when his crew are racing? “I do watch them,”
says Wojciechowski, “if possible from my
bicycle, other wise on the television monitors.”
