Podcast - Charging Ahead Ep. 5: Steering Toward Excellence with Alan “Woody” Sherman

Most people watching a rowing race see the power first. Eight athletes pulling in perfect rhythm, blades flashing, boats surging down the course.

But the smallest person in the boat is often the one holding the whole orchestra together.

In this episode of Charging Ahead, we sit down with Alan “Woody” Sherman, one of the most accomplished and beloved coxswains in British rowing. Woody’s career spans the full landscape of the sport. He has guided crews at the highest levels of competition, from a Paralympic bronze medal with Team GB to races at Henley Royal Regatta, the Head of the River in London, the Head of the Charles in Boston, and international competition at Lucerne. Earlier this year, British Rowing recognized his extraordinary contribution to the sport with the Medal of Merit.

But this conversation goes far beyond medals and race results.

Woody shares the remarkable story of his life. Born in Germany just after the Second World War to a British Jewish family, sent to boarding school in England, and eventually finding his way to the river, rowing became the thread that connected decades of competition, friendship, and purpose. Along the way he developed the qualities that make a great coxswain: calm under pressure, razor-sharp instincts, and the ability to inspire eight athletes when everything hurts and the finish line still feels miles away.

Now approaching 80 years old, Woody still climbs into the cox’s seat almost every day. The passion hasn’t faded. If anything, it has grown deeper.

This episode is a slight detour from our usual focus on energy and the environment, although we do talk about water quality and protecting the environment, however it captures something just as powerful: a lifetime devoted to sport, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence on the water.

It’s a conversation about rowing, resilience, and the rare kind of person who never really leaves the river.