Sir Matthew Pinsent began rowing when he was President of the Oxford Rowing Club during his time at University. He would go on to race in the Oxford vs Cambridge Boat Race in 1990 and 1991, and lead Oxford to victory by some substantial distance.
In 1992, he competed at the Barcelona Olympics alongside Sir Steve Redgrave, coming home with a gold medal. This would be the beginning of a long partnership as the outstanding pair took winnings at seven World Championships, and gold medals at the Olympic Games in 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004.
In August 2000, Sir Matthew took part in the BBC documentary Gold Fever, which followed the coxless four team made up of Matthew, Steve Redgrave, James Cracknell, and Tim Foster, in the lead up to the Olympic Games. After the 20000 games, Matthew formed his Coxless Pair with Cracknell and they would go on to be undefeated throughout 2001 and break the world record by four seconds!
Matthew Pinsent Awards & Achievements
Matthew was elected to the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission in 2001.
He was awarded an MBE in 1993, and the CBE in 2000, before being knighted in 2004 for his services to rowing.
He was awarded the coveted ‘Thomas Keller Medal’ by the International Rowing Federation in 2005.
Matthew Pinsent TV Presenter
Since retiring from rowing, Matthew has worked for the BBC as a sports bulletin presenter and reporter. He is often seen commentating on key events such as Henley Royal Regatta, the Boat Races, and the Olympics – most recently at the 2024 games in Paris.
Pinsent also directed Unbelievable – The Chad Le Clos, a documentary following swimmer Chad Le Clos.
In June 2012, Matthew rowed on the Gloriana as part of the royal pageant for the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. He appeared again on the Gloriana the following month, bearing the Olympic torch as it crossed the river Thames.
Matthew Pinsent Motivational Speaking
He has appeared at corporate events for some of the most prestigious International companies such as Proctor & Gamble, IBM, British Telecom, NatWest, Camelot and Lombard. Sir Matthew is an outstanding motivational speaker and after-dinner speaker who has hosted at corporate events for some of the biggest global brands such as NatWest and Camelot.