Chris Thompson: "Rowing is the ultimate test of physical and mental resilience"

Keen to stay fit during lockdown whilst at Sydney University, Chris Thompson took up coastal rowing and was soon challenging himself to compete against national-level athletes. Despite starting relatively late, he now has his oars set on the beach sprint category at the LA 2028 Olympics.

Over £100,000 is set to be distributed to 23 local athletes as part of a new performance scheme helping islanders to excel in their chosen sport.

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

One of the athletes set to benefit from the scheme is 25-year-old Chris Thompson, who manages to juggle a full-time job as a date engineer with an elite coastal rowing career.

Having moved back to the UK to pursue a Master’s degree after his time in Sydney, Chris jumped head-first into rowing competition and is working his way to represent Team GB on the world stage.

Express sat down with him 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?

Initially, my main focus was in rugby having been with the Colts and a few games for the old Jersey Reds Athletic side.

However, during lockdown I started rowing as a way to stay fit and motivated. I quickly realised I had the engine to compete at a high level.

That drive led me to challenge myself against national-level athletes in Australia before moving to the UK, where I won BUCS gold and silver in 2024. Now, I’m focused on coastal rowing and pushing myself to the next level.

Did you expect to get this far in your sport?

Yes. Despite starting later than most, I always wanted to push myself against the best.

I knew I had the physical attributes to compete at a high level, and from day one, I set my sights on comparing myself to the national level athletes I was lucky enough to train with.

The key has been staying patient and refining my technique on the water to match my physical ability.

Pictured: Chris won gold and silver at the UK university BUCS league last year.

What do you love about your sport?

Rowing is the ultimate test of physical and mental resilience. It demands strength, power, endurance, and precision. But more than that, it’s a sport of contrasts; a battle between calmness and chaos.

There’s this incredible feeling of connection between you, the boat, and the water; where everything moves in perfect rhythm. Then there’s the race itself, pure intensity, where you push your limits and embrace the chaos of competition.

That contrast is what makes rowing so unique. In beach sprints especially, it’s a head-to-head knockout format. There’s no second chances; no hiding place. It creates a lot of nerves and pressure, but that’s where the fun lies.

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

It’s a really exciting time for Jersey sport, and amazing to be selected along with the other high calibre athletes in the programs.

What’s even more exciting is that there are four other rowers in the programme this year. Coastal rowing is becoming more competitive internationally, and this is a great chance to showcase what we can do as an island.

Pictured: Chris aims to compete for Team GB ahead of LA 2028.

How will the programme assist your sporting progress?

The programme allows me to access key competitions, training camps, and coaching resources that aren’t always available in Jersey.

Coastal rowing is evolving rapidly, and to compete at the highest level I need to race and train alongside the best. This support makes that possible and will help me take my performance to the next level.