Pete Reed studied Mechanical Engineering at Oriel from 2005. He was in the gold winning Coxless Four at Beijing 2008.
I will never take my Olympic Gold for granted or forget how hard it was to get. We had been undefeated and double world champions leading into the 2007 season. But, plagued with problems in the boat, we only came fourth that year and had to start from scratch leading into 2008.
More injuries in the Olympic year led to a real mix of results and the first time our crew ever stood on the middle of the podium together was at the Olympics in Beijing. It took real belief and teamwork to hold ourselves together and pass the Australians in the closing stages of our Beijing final. I was in so much pain that I didn't even know whether we had won.
Leading up to 2012 I need to fight for gold like I fought for my first. It'll hurt and I'll enjoy it. The training is tough. We're training every day, no matter what – up to four sessions per day. The training is where you win the medals. It's a mix of rowing, rowing machines, weights and more casual exercise like running. If I train as well as I can with total dedication then the selection will look after itself. This year, more than ever, it is crucial to avoid illness and injury.
London 2012 will not be just another Olympics. It is the Olympics. I can't express how lucky I am to be at the pinnacle of my sport, in the top nation, in a sport that we have a strong history, aiming for the Olympics. I just need to get it right now. I think the Games in London will inspire a new generation of talent in the UK which could have very positive social effects.
My time at Oxford made me more confident in my abilities. I was surrounded by the best in the world in their fields and I learned that I had just as much to offer. To current students I would say look around you and get inspiration from your peers and predecessors, their achievements and the history of the place. Then go and do some training! Miles make champions. Good luck!
