Never short of something to say and definitely not backward in coming forward, Bill Mason is probably one of the best known characters in British Rowing. He has been the most consistently successful GB club coach over the past three decades and is responsible for establishing Imperial College Boat Club as a high performance centre which has and continues to create many international rowers. In fact there hasn’t been an Olympics go by since 1980 where Bill has played a part in the development and success of at least one of the rowers on the team.

Developing athletes from novice to elite in the shortest time possible is perhaps Bill’s speciality although he may tell you it’s rigging boats. Look no further than the GB Men’s Eight which won gold at Sydney Olympics. Luka Grubor, Simon Dennis and Louis Atrill were absorbed into the GB Rowing Team directly from Imperial College Boat Club where they were coached by Bill Mason. In fact, Louis Atrill began rowing as a novice at Imperial College and under coach Mason went on to the national team within just a few years.

It is difficult to say how successful Bill has been as a coach but a this may give you an idea:

• GB Women’s Team Chief Coach 1993-1996
• World Rowing Championships medals in the women’s Lightweight Coxless Four at the 1992, 1993 (Gold) & 1994 Championships
• Built the 1996 GB Women’s Eight from the basis of the 1994 pair and then quickly developing some more female athletes
• Too many U23 medallists to list
• 21 wins at Henley Royal Regatta (some were as a competitor)
• A unique triple at HRR in 1992 winning the Ladies Plate, The Temple & Diamonds
• 40 Henley Royal Regatta finals (some as a competitor)
• 59 semi-finals at Henley Royal Regatta
• As a competitor: Represted GB at Olympic’s and World Championships plus wins at HRR in the Grand, Steward’s & Wyfold all as a lightweight rower