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An in-depth Q&A with Rory Gibbs on his journey to Paris 2024 and the role of mental well-being, training, and Nirvana Spa
Step into the world of elite rower Rory Gibbs as he shares his compelling journey from Oxford Brookes to the Paris 2024 Olympics. With an impressive track record, Rory offers a glimpse into the rigorous training, mental strength, and dedication required. Learn about Rory’s training regime, his use of Nirvana Spa for recovery and relaxation, and his personal strategies for supporting his mental well-being.
Q. Can you give us a little insight into your rowing career and your journey to Paris 2024.
I began rowing at Oxford Brookes. Rowing is simple in theory: the more effort you invest—hours, mileage—the fitter, stronger, and faster you become. With the right biometrics, many could reach a high level. Success ultimately hinges on mentality.
During my six years at Oxford Brooks, I rowed in a Four Boat for Great Britain Under 23s. My performance at the Senior Trails opened the door to my Olympic Career. In 2019, I represented the Great Britain Senior Team at the World Championships achieving a bronze medal. The following year would have been the Tokyo Olympic year, but COVID had other plans, and it was difficult to deal with the unprecedented delay and uncertainty. The Tokyo Olympics took place in 2021 with restrictions, it was a steep learning curve.
Since 2022, I have been rowing in the Men’s Eight and we have won back-to-back World Championships, which is cool! Now the focus is on preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Q. Rowing is an intense team sport, what do you bring to your boat?
All rowers need to be very disciplined and motivated. We don’t get up and out for training crazy early, but the weeks are quite monotonous and the demands on our body are immense.
I’m incredibly motivated and determined and I can be very persistent with my training. I think what really sets me apart is my passion for the sport, I can be very serious, and I care deeply. I’ve learnt to adjust my mindset and temper my passion slightly, but it remains significant to me. I’ve realised the importance of balancing intensity with humour, ensuring everyone in the crew shares maximum enjoyment in the sport.
Now as we get closer to the Olympic Games, the pressure is increasing, and tensions are rising. If something is not right in the boat, stress levels rise quickly. As a more experienced member of the boat, I will often take the role of mediator or joker to help calm things and keep us all focused both on our individual performance and working together.
Q. What is a typical training week for you at this moment in time?
Typically, we train six days a week, occasionally seven (that’s a tough week). Most days we have three training sessions, the majority are in the boat on the water but we also have full-body weight training. Our training days typically start at 9 am and end no later than 4 pm.
The demands are intense, so that’s why I love visiting Nirvana Spa, it offers a chance to step away from the guys I’m seeing every day and relax a little bit.
Q. What do our facilities offer you as an elite athlete?
Knowing I am heading to Nirvana Spa after an intense training session is a real motivator! As soon as I walk through the doors, my outlook changes and I start to relax and unwind. I will typically use the steam room or sauna followed by a dip in the plunge pool; contrast therapy really helps to regulate my stress.
I will then head to the Dead Sea Salt Therapy pool for some recovery. Rowing exerts significant pressure on your body, particularly your posterior chain. Coupled with full-body weight training, this strain can lead to issues like bulging discs, slipped discs, and sciatica, resulting in back pain. Spending extended periods in a compressed position exacerbates these risks. Some days I feel a bit stiff after training and floating in this pool alleviates this tension, easing the burden on my back. Performing recovery stretches and exercises in this pool facilitates healing and helps to protect against injury.
I also enjoy using the hydrotherapy pool for my muscle recovery.
To relax, I love to find a quiet spot upstairs in the Colosseum to read. Some days my stress levels are high, and I try to take time to shut my eyes, I think this downtime is especially important in the lead-up to an event like the Olympics.
Q. We know nutrition is important to you. What is your favourite meal to enjoy at Nirvana Spa?
We burn huge amounts of energy in training and good nutrition is key, so I normally take full advantage of the dining facilities. I opt for the salad bar as the hot choices are varied and change regularly and I love the vibrant healthy salads. I occasionally indulge in pizza, confident that I’ll burn it off during training!
When dining alone, I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the spa restaurant. I simply put on my headphones, watch Netflix, and refuel in peace.
Q. You suggested that looking after your mental well-being is an important part of preparation for competitions. How do you manage this?
I’m deeply passionate about this topic. Despite being headstrong throughout my life, the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics was incredibly challenging due to the pandemic. There was so much uncertainty and we had to hold it together for a year whilst the games were postponed. During this time, I experienced intense anxiety.
Fortunately, I engaged in therapy sessions and once I arrived in Tokyo, my anxiety gradually diminished, and I had a great experience.
Reflecting on this, I’ve now learnt that I need to prioritise my mental well-being as much as my physical training. I’ve made a conscious effort to maintain a healthy balance, spending time with loved ones and enjoying Nirvana Spa to manage the stresses of relentless training and elite competitions.
I am aware that mental health struggles are very prevalent in society now, particularly post-pandemic. I’ve embraced proactive measures and sought professional assistance. My proactive approach has enabled me to take control of my mental state and improve my overall well-being.
Q. Thank you for being so open about your struggles and great to hear you are stronger mentally in the run up to Paris 24. What do the Olympics mean to you and what is your approach this time?
I believe that our “win or die” attitude going into the Tokyo Olympics was not good, it allowed anxiety to creep in and affected our performance (we ultimately placed fourth).
I’ve shifted away from that mentality, making a conscious effort to channel my passion efficiently so I don’t exhaust myself. I obviously would love to win in Paris, but what I really want, is for my crew and I to deliver the best race we can.
Rowing isn’t a particularly high-profile event. Great Britain will very often perform well but we don’t have the status of other professional sports like football and rugby.
My motivation stems from a deep love for my craft, I have worked hard for two decades, and I am completely committed. Gold medals and accolades are important but what truly matters to me is coming away with my best foot forward. Ultimately, making my friends and family proud is what drives me forward.
