Recalling his father winning a gold medal in rowing at the 1948 Olympics in London: He was in a coxless pair with a man called Jack Wilson. I`ve got a fantastic picture on my desk of the two of them getting their medals on a pontoon at Henley. I imagine they were playing the national anthem and my dad is very rigid, `this is the way to behave`, and Jack Wilson is loose and groovy and looks like he should be mixing a martini. I sometimes wished my father could take that pleasure in himself.
- Hugh LaurieIt must have been a tough decision for Jurgen. He took all six athletes involved by surprise but I have total faith that what he is doing is in the best interest of the top athletes and British Rowing.
- James CracknellIt was like falling off a building and suddenly, bang, you hit the bottom. The first time it happened was on an ordinary day at home. I was taking down some curtains. I took one step, turned around, took another step and then I fell and hit my head hard on the rowing machine.
- Jonah LomuHe has been the leader, and he has had the focus and everyone rowing the boat in the same direction. To change would be difficult, especially with two board members leaving and half the cabinet retiring.
- David Welch