27 July 2024

By Göran R Buckhorn

The Paris Olympics are now upon us.

The Opening Ceremony yesterday was spectacular and must have been a moment that no Olympic athlete who was there will ever forget. But let’s face it, most of the sportsmen and -women in Paris will return to the home countries without a medal.

However, let’s remember Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s words: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part” and “The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well”.

There are 33 male scullers in six heats fighting their way to reach the A- Final in the single sculls. Among them are Stephen Cox, 32, who is representing Zimbabwe.

Cox began rowing at age 13 at Peterhouse Boys’ School in Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe. Having rowed now for more than two decades, Cox brought the passion for the sport with him when he joined the British Army eleven years ago. For the four last years, he has been training full-time.

Cox, with the rank of Corporal, is praising the support he has received from the Army: “I can’t speak highly enough of the military’s backing,” says Cox. “They have provided me with the time and resources needed to train effectively, which is crucial as rowing demands around five hours of training each day. Without their assistance, balancing this intensive training with a full-time job would have been nearly impossible.”

Cox continues: “The military has taught me courage, bravery, discipline, respect for others, integrity, and loyalty to my coaching team, my wife, and all my supporters. These values are essential not only in sports but in all aspects of life.”

The backing from sponsors like PE, a Gold Sponsor for Army Sport, has also played a crucial role. “PE has been incredible. Their support has allowed us to reach our goals and broaden our horizons. Without their funding, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do,” Cox acknowledges.

Steve Daniels, Group CSO at PE, shared his thoughts on supporting athletes like Cox: “Supporting athletes like Stephen Cox is at the heart of what we do at PE. We believe in empowering individuals to reach their full potential, and Stephen’s journey from the military to the Olympics exemplifies the power of dedication, resilience, and the right support. We are proud to sponsor Army Sport and contribute to the success of athletes who inspire us all.”

Here is a short video featuring Stephen Cox

Cox’s journey to the Olympics has not been without obstacles. After moving to the UK and joining the military, he failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics. However, his determination and hard work finally paid off, and today he raced in the 5th heat in the single sculls. In the heat was also reigning world champion Oli Zeidler, who easily won the heat. Cox came in at fourth place. He then goes to the repêchage to have a chance to avance further.

Good luck, Stephen!

This article is partly based on a press release from the PR Agency Toast 15.

Update 29 July: Stephen Cox placed 4th in his repêchage heat and 2nd in the semifinal (E/F). He will row in the E-Final on 2 August. According to World Rowing he is happy with his performance, and Cox said:

I hope that my being here is enough to spur some of the younger generations on and show that they can chase their dreams and they can get here if they put the work in to it.

I literally feel like the entire country of Zimbabwe is pushing us on. There’s only seven athletes here [from Zimbabwe] so you get a lot of messages and lot of thoughts.

I haven’t performed badly at all. I have performed how I have in training. The standard is incredible this year. There are people in my final, the E final, that were top of the C final in Tokyo. That’s credit to World Rowing; the qualification process has changed and it’s now literally the top of each continent and you can see the difference it’s made in terms of the calibre. The best should be here.

Update 2 August: Cox finished 5th in the E Final.