From Mercantile to the Olympics and the races that mattered most In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Drew Ginn OAM sits down with his former rowing partner Ben Dodwell for a wide-ranging conversation about Australian rowing, Olympic competition, coaching, club culture and the lessons that remain long after the racing stops. Ben reflects on competing at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, taking on Steve Redgrave’s legendary British Four, the disappointment of Atlanta 1996, and why he chose to continue towards a home Olympics. He also shares stories from Mercantile, the King's Cup, Henley and some remarkable crews and coaches who shaped his career. Who is Ben Dodwell? Ben Dodwell is an Australian Olympian, former elite rower, business leader and former Rowing Australia board member. His international career included the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, while domestically he was part of a hugely successful era of Victorian King's Cup rowing and came through the strong club culture of Mercantile Rowing Club. Across his career, Ben worked with some of Australian rowing's most influential coaches, including Tim McLaren, Reinhold Batschi, Brian Richardson and Noel Donaldson. Today, he draws heavily on those experiences in business, leadership and his perspective on the future of Australian rowing. Why Is This Conversation Important? Ben's story is about much more than Olympic results. It explores what athletes learn through disappointment, persistence, teamwork and great coaching. After Atlanta 1996, Ben seriously considered walking away from rowing. Instead, with Tim McLaren's encouragement, he rediscovered his enjoyment of moving a boat and ultimately earned the opportunity to race at a home Olympics. Ben also provides an important perspective on the future of Australian rowing, particularly the need to support athletes beyond a single Olympic cycle, strengthen pathways, maintain vibrant clubs and make rowing accessible as a sport for life. You Can Quote Us On That “You’ve got to leave it all in the water.” “The longer you're in the sport, the more likely you are to win a medal.” “You sign on to rowing, you sign on to being an affiliate of a style of person which is extraordinarily valuable in later life.” “If you're thoroughly enjoying something, it becomes really easy.” “How lucky are we?” Why You Should Listen This is a conversation about rowing, resilience, friendship and perspective. Ben provides a fascinating window into a golden era of Australian rowing while also exploring lessons that remain highly relevant for today's athletes and coaches: surround yourself with great people, learn from disappointment, be patient, enjoy what you're doing and recognise the opportunities sport gives you. For anyone connected to Mercantile, Australian rowing, coaching, leadership or Olympic sport, there is plenty in this episode to enjoy. Hosted by: Drew Ginn OAM Guest: Ben Dodwell Produced by: Nicholas Finster Sponsored by Choice Capital and 776BC Presented by Mercantile Rowing Club