Meet Rurik Gowland

Meet Underwater Hockey Player Rurik Gowland

Rurik Gowalnd plays Under Water Hockey for Great Britain. Under water hockey is a six a side team sport where two teams play with a heavy puck on a flat bottom pool with the aim to score in the goals at the ends.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

My parents used to play it.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

Reef Rats UWH.

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

Playing for Great Britain in France, I had to do months of training before hand.

What are your goals for the coming year?

To get selected for the GB team to play at the world championships.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

Lots of interval runs and lots of cardio, several gym sessions and pool swims a week.

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

Breathing techniques to keep heart rate low as well as mental skills to over come set backs.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

Around 5.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

By breathing and clearly thinking.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

My older brother who competed in the 2024 world championships.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

Winning the Mulhouse international competition in France.

What helps you to stay motivated and focussed during your training?

Music.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

To not give up and to try even when it gets hard.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

It will allow me to use the gym and pool which will heavily increase my ability and fitness.