Pete Reed interview

I can't describe how it feels to actually have the gold medal in my hands. It’s what I've wanted above all else for so long. The race was as pressurised and exhausting as I imagine anything will be in my life, and even that was a small fraction of what we went through as a crew to get that piece of metal. The object itself is wonderful, but it means more to friends, family and the public than it does to me. What I will always cherish is the achievement, the memories and the camaraderie.

We had day after day of commitments after the race, with media and public appearances during the day and a lot of corporate hospitality at night. It was all fun but two weeks of that is hard work. It wasn't until I got home with my fiancée, family and dog that I could really take in the reality of the achievement. People ask me a lot about 'when it sinks in'. It sinks in when you get back to normal life and you realise that you actually did it.

However good you are at your sport, you must always know that there is room for improvement. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses and you have to work on both. It is a good idea to see what other people do well and learn how they do it. At Oxford I was surrounded by incredible athletes and I was able to learn from them and learn quickly.

I will make sure I enjoy our success from the London Olympics first. I have a great chance to celebrate and give back to the rowing world and public. That is so important now as rowing is in the spotlight for a very short window. When things calm down, I'll look at my options but I would hate to retire from rowing before I have reached my peak.