Augustin Maillefer

Rising Star – June 2014

 Augustin Maillefer was first introduced to rowing when his brother proposed that he go down to the local club and try coxing. But the ‘slight’ Augustin quickly outgrew the coxswain seat and, now over 193cm, he is in the middle of a successful rowing career. His international debut saw a gold medal in the men’s coxed four at the 2010 World Rowing Junior Championships. Moving quickly to the senior level, Maillefer switched into the men’s quadruple sculls.

Just two years after his international debut, he was racing at the 2012 London Olympics. He says that participating was a great experience, but that the young crew was not fast enough to really appreciate it. In 2013, his quad went on win the World Rowing Under 23 Championships before making their mark at the senior level by qualifying for a very competitive A-final at the World Rowing Championships. With many years ahead of him, this young and talented rower is World Rowing’s Rising Star.

This season I would like to … Make a good progress and have a competitive season again.

My sporting hero is… The Croatian men’s quad are great models. They aren’t giants, they just train hard and row very well. Even if rowing is their profession, it doesn’t look like they’re doing work, but having fun. They are very friendly with their opponents as well.

I’m most relaxed when…? When I am in my bed for an afternoon siesta.

I’m motivated by…. Seeing my own progress.

In 10 years’ time I will… I am not sure. I like my sport science studies at university, I will probably be in a profession related to sport or education.

My non-rowing friends think … They’re all respectful about what I’m doing.

If I could pick my dream crew it would include … It is hard to choose, but maybe the Polish men’s quad from Beijing, it was already a dream crew itself.

If I could have one super power it would be… mastering time.

My biggest strength is… Perseverance

Before I race I always… I don’t have a specific pre-race routine. It happens that I vomit before races or before erg tests.

My favourite food is….? Chocolate!

I row because… I still have fun doing it.

I would love to row in… Rio, of course.

My toughest race… Maybe my semi-final in the junior single. I barely qualified out of it, but I couldn’t race the A-final because I got sick right after the race.