THE SPORT OF ROWING us now that I have completed my task, but they have trusted me to speak in their place. I have done my very best not to let them down. But if I have let anyone down, if there are those who object to any choice or any conclusion in this book, blame no one but me. The responsibility has been mine alone. This has always been a personal journey. You will notice that much of the book is in quotes. Whenever possible, I have let the participants express themselves in their own words. This history is a symphony. They are the orchestra, and I have done my best to be their conductor. You will discover they occasionally speak directly to me. In reality, they are speaking directly to you! To those who made the history that I merely write, this book is my special gift to you. And I had so much help. My sincerest thanks to my wife, Susan Mallory, who really gets it, who unconditionally under- stands me and my passion. This all began half a lifetime ago in 1976 with a graduate school class on Inter- national Physical Education and Sport taught by the legendary Dr. Reet Howell at San Diego State University. I am still striv- ing to live up to the standards that she set for me, and I wish she were still with us so that I could thank her again. One of the true giants of our sport stands out in his tireless efforts on behalf of this book: Ted Nash. For seven years, barely a week has gone by without a package half an inch thick arriving at my doorstep. Ted, we have been friends for nearly half a century. I am glad that through this book others will know you as I do. Thanks also to coaches like Mike Spracklen and Harry Parker who have taken a real interest in the chapters on them. Thanks to Cas Rekers and Paul Smith for supporting, enhancing and assisting my research into rowing force curves. Let me also extend my sincere apprecia- tion to the rowing historians who have blazed the trail that I have only followed. Personal thanks to my colleagues on the Board of Directors of the Friends of Row- ing History: Chris Dodd, Bill Miller, Tom Weil, Göran Buckhorn and the late Hart Perry, who have provided endless chal- lenge, inspiration, guidance, encouragement, resources and access to their libraries and collections. Each one has been an integral part of this project from the beginning. I owe a special debt of gratitude to Tom Weil, former prep school and Ivy light- weight rower, world-renowned collector of rowing memorabilia, philanthropist, rowing historian and writer, passionate advocate, peerless raconteur and my very good friend. Some of my most enjoyable and productive moments over the last seven years have been spent swapping stories in Tom’s kitchen while sifting through his vast collection of artifacts, books, magazines, programs and photos. There is no greater thrill than to touch an oar that once might have been rowed by Steve Fairbairn or to read the notes in the margins of Jack Beresford’s own copy of Isthmian Rowing! Each of the Friends of Rowing History wears many hats as members of the team that has brought this book into reality. Hart Perry of the National Rowing Foundation was a believer and supporter from the start, and he and his wife, Gillian, along with Chris Dodd of the River & Rowing Muse- um and Diana Cook of Richard Way Booksellers have opened magical doors for me at Henley. 2
