Finding Her Coxing Voice: Erin Kennedy

Coxswain Chronicles: This is Part of an Ongoing Interview Series

To be a successful Cox, you must be calm and confident and imbue a sense of coherence in your crew. What is usually overlooked, though, is the fighting spirit you must possess and the inherent competitive streak that marks out the best coxes in the world. Erin Kennedy – Paralympic champion and three-time world champion – is the very definition of fighting spirit. After winning a year-long battle against breast cancer from 2022 to 2023, she returned to the coxing seat of the PR3 Mixed Coxed Four to win the European Championships and set herself on the pathway to another Paralympic gold in Paris.

How did you first get into coxing?

I started coxing at Pembroke College, Oxford. I began during Fresher's Week when I went down to the boathouse to see what all the fuss was about! I never looked back. Unlike a lot of coxes, I have barely ever rowed... I am far better at telling people how to do it rather than doing it myself.

What kept you involved in the beginning, and how has that evolved over the years?

I stuck with rowing for two reasons: It is nothing like any other sport. You are right there in the field of play, trying to get the best out of everyone around you. The second was the people—I love getting to train with such a dedicated bunch every day, and that hasn't really changed from when I started to the GB squad today. Coxing challenges me to innovate, think creatively, and be very attuned to others around me. I don't think that has ever really changed!

What was your first club like, and how important were they to your growth?

My first club was Pembroke, and it was hugely developmental for me - it taught me how to work as a team, the importance of shared values, and the power of a shared goal. We were all working hard towards one thing, and that is a hugely powerful thing - if you have momentum, you are halfway there! I will always be so grateful to Pembroke and everything they did for me - I am still really involved now, and I love going back to visit and coxing for them whenever possible!

How would you define your coxing style?

Confident, in control, and four steps ahead of everyone else!

In your opinion, what is the most important attribute a successful coxswain must imbue?

I always want my team to feel like they have an advantage over everyone else because I am in the boat with them.

What has been your favorite coxing memory?

Probably winning the European Champs while I was on chemotherapy. It took a village to get me there, but when I was on the water, it was just me and the crew doing what we did best. A small part of me didn't know if that was my last race for GB, and I savored every moment. It was a very personal moment for me, but then it was a privilege to share it with my friends, family, and the rest of the world, who I knew would all know someone impacted by cancer.

What was the most significant learning curve during your coxing journey, and how did you tackle it?

Adding tone to my coxing is such a hard change to make, but it really transformed my coxing. It took a lot of work, listening to recordings, and working with my coach, but it led to a positive change that allowed me to get the most out of the crew.

It is well-documented that you fought breast cancer as an international cox. How did that journey play out and influence your sporting career?

It is a long story, but ultimately, it is summarized in a few ways. Awareness, teamwork, and resilience! Firstly, I regularly checked myself; therefore, there were better odds of recovery. Sport prepared me so well for cancer treatment - I was able to compartmentalize, rely on my teammates (which now included oncologists through to surgeons and breast care nurses), and try to be the best patient possible. I ate well, continued exercising where I could, pre-habbed/re-habbed properly after my surgery, and focused on my overall goals. It was a tough time, but with the right people around me and knowing I was doing everything possible to improve, I knew I had a fighting chance of recovering and returning to international competition.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new cox who is trying to find his or her voice?

Don't try to copy anyone else—it won't help you if you're trying to imitate another cox! I would encourage you to develop your own style and work with your coach and crew to get continuous feedback, as the person/boat you're working with will need different things from you at different times. Be confident, don't be afraid to make mistakes, and remember that nobody is as good at being you as you are.

How crucial is high-quality equipment (like NK) to set you up for success?

I exclusively use NK products and can always rely on them for accuracy and reliability. They will do the job I need, and I wouldn't use anything else.

How?

NK has been great, allowing me to try out different products to see what fits best, and they are always at the end of the phone if I ever need anything. I usually use a speed coach and an NK Mini in the four, as it is lighter as a combo, and it means the box isn't in my line of sight as I am in a bow-loader. They loaned me one to try out, and it has been my go-to piece of equipment since the pre-Tokyo Games.