Hector Harvey: “I did not expect to represent my country when I started”

Most students spend their ‘gap year’ working or travelling, but 18-year-old Hector Harvey is dedicating his time between school and university to training for his Olympic goal.

Jersey Sport last month announced that a total of £103,500 has been allocated to allow 23 local athletes – who compete 11 different sports – to access professional development workshops on the Performance Sport Programme.

One of the athletes set to benefit from the scheme is Hector Harvey – who has joined his older brother Hylton in national-level rowing success.

Express sat down with the 18-year-old to chat about his sporting ambitions, and how the new funding programme will help him to achieve them…

Can you tell us about your sporting journey so far?

My sporting journey started from playing a lot of rugby, football and cricket.

I played for Wasps Rugby Developing Player Programme in secondary school, but at sixteen I decided that I wanted to go all in on rowing. 

Did you expect to get this far in your sport? 

I did not expect to represent my country when I started rowing, as it wasn’t something that everyone spoke about.

What do you love about your sport? 

Having always played ball sports, I enjoyed the change to a very different style of sport.

I love the feeling of rowing which can be hard to describe, but when it is done well, it is very satisfying.

There is also a strong community in the sport, which I love to be a part of.

How do you feel about being chosen to benefit from the Performance Sport Programme?

I am very grateful to be a part of the Performance Sport Programme.

It is giving me a great opportunity to develop my performance to a higher level which previously would not have been possible otherwise.

How will the programme assist your sporting progress? 

The programme will assist my progress in rowing through allowing me to compete at the largest international events, as well as helping me to stay clear of injury through physiotherapy sessions.

What is your sporting dream?

I would love to race at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 for Team GB in beach sprints, or at any stage as part of the Senior Great Britain Rowing Team.

I am looking forward to hopefully having a successful season of competition thanks to the extra help of the Performance Sport Programme towards my preparation.