The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
ROWER Peter Purcell-Gilpin doesn’t have to look far for any Olympic inspiration, it’s in his heart!
He is married to two-time Olympian Micheen Thornycroft.
Hard work and love propels Purcell-Gilpin to dream about his debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games. The 25-year-old secured Zimbabwe a boat for Tokyo 2020, winning silver in the men’s single scull at the African Olympic Qualification Regatta in Tunis two weeks ago.
“Mouse is awesome,” said Purcell-Gilpin, referring to his wife Micheen.
“We were training partners and best friends for years, before we decided to get married. It’s very special to be able to share our lives, dreams and support one another in our individual pursuits.
“Having been to the Olympics herself, she fully understands what it takes and why I do what I do.
“Rowing aside, it’s just fun to be with someone who has such a great outlook on life,” he said. Thornycroft had Purcell-Gilpin by her side during her preparation and debut for her London 2012 Olympic Games. “When it comes to rowing, Peter knows as much as I do. We have trained together for many years and worked with various coaches with different styles.
“We work a lot on the mental side of racing, reading books and testing methods. We used to be training partners when I was training for London back in 2012.”
As Purcell-Gilpin is working towards his maiden Olympic appearance, how helpful has Thornycroft been in the process?
“Having been involved in the sport at an elite level herself, it’s always helpful to be able to talk to someone who has been there and knows what you are going through. “I always talk to her about my training, racing and the technical changes that I am working on. She is great at looking at things from a different perspective and giving advice.
“She is always honest and not afraid to say it as it is, even if it’s hard for me to hear, which I appreciate. Change doesn’t always happen in your comfort zone. I am lucky to have her by my side.”
Thornycroft had unwavering belief in her man, who put in the hard yards ahead of the African Olympic Qualification Regatta. “I always knew he could do it, but even still, sport is sport and it is always a gamble.
“In Tunisia, where the trials were, the water conditions were very challenging. I remember in 2015, with every stroke l was just thinking ‘don’t fall in’. lt was so rough.
Purcell-Gilpin has only secured Zimbabwe an Olympic berth. He still has to go through national trials next April to determine who represents Zimbabwe in the men’s single scull at Tokyo 2020.
“I would rather focus on what I can control. I am excited about the possibilities instead. If someone else go, they will have my respect. lt is not going to be an easy task to get there,” he said.
