Chris O’Hara – Head Coach
Chris began coaching in Australia while competing as an elite lightweight oarsman. Over a period of eight years, he successfully guided crews from Sydney University Boat Club, The Scot’s College Sydney and Mosman Rowing Club. After relocating to the UK to pursue a career in finance law, he was persuaded to accept a part time coaching role at University College London (RUMS Boat Club), which he held for six years. Chris decided early in 2009 to pursue his coaching ambitions more seriously and took over as Head Coach of OUWLRC in September 2009.
In his first year at Oxford, Chris’ crews have beaten Cambridge in the Lightweight Boat Race in a near record time, won three British Universities Championships, been elite lightweight pair runners-up at Henley Women’s Regatta, qualified for the Remenham Cup for elite women’s eights at Henley Royal Regatta and won gold and bronze medals at the European Universities Championships in Amsterdam.
Chris’ coaching philosophy emphasises the importance of excellent technique, with all squad athletes actively encouraged to develop their skills in both rowing and sculling. Of equal importance is thorough physiological preparation pursued in a competitive, but enjoyable environment. As a specialist lightweight club, the necessity of progressing athletes while maintaining a healthy and sensible approach to weight management is a core strategy. Expert advice from external consultants in sports science, sports medicine and nutrition are utilised wherever possible.
Chris has displayed over his career an aptitude for developing athletes of all ages and levels, and a number have gone on to represent Australia and Great Britain internationally.
If you have any questions about rowing for OUWLRC, feel free to contact Chris by email: christopher.ohara[at]sport.ox.ac.uk
Rachael Luxton – Assistant Coach
Rachael started her coaching career at City of Oxford Rowing Club (CORC) in 2007. She was a National Champion herself before she took up the role as Head Coach for the elite women’s squad at CORC. She was responsible for both training experienced athletes as well as identifying and developing new talent.
In her 3 years as Head Coach Rachel has produced winners of 2 gold and 3 silver medals at Gent International Regatta (Belgium), 2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals at the National Championships of Great Britain, runners-up at Henley Women’s Regatta in the elite coxed fours and club intermediate coxed fours, qualification for the Remenham Cup for the elite women’s eights at Henley Royal Regatta and had two rowers selected to row for England at the Home Countries Regatta (achieving second in the pairs event and joining the winning women’s eight).
Rachael’s drive, enthusiasm, dedication, commitment and pride are key attributes which she filters down to the rowers.
She is very passionate and dedicated to the sport of rowing and after her time with CORC she has now joined OUWLRC as an Assistant Coach.
Ali James – Physiotherapist
Ali has been practising as a physiotherapist since 2001 and specialises in sports injuries and rehabilitation. He has completed postgraduate courses in manual therapy, muscle imbalance and muscle energy techniques and has particular expertise in upper cervical spine and rib pathologies. His interest in sport led him to complete an MSc at Oxford University in the ‘Science and Medicine of Athletic Performance’.
Ali has been extensively involved in many sports both as a physiotherapist and as a competitor. Ali has two Oxford rugby Blues, and has represented England Students and premiership club Gloucester RFC. His specialist knowledge and continuing involvement in high level sport has resulted in an ongoing commitment to accelerated rehabilitation of his patients.
Since joining OUWLRC in 2009, Ali has taken a keen interest not only in treating, but preventing rowing injuries and works closely with the coaching team on both a proactive and reactive basis. Ali is also the Senior Physiotherapist for the Oxford University Blues Rugby Team.
Ali’s email: alijames[at]premiertherapy.co.uk
Charlie Simpson – Physiologist
Dr Charlie Simpson is a a senior lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at Oxford Brookes University. He has a PhD in human physiology, with a special interest in sport drinks, hydration and exercise performance. Charlie is currently researching rowing performance, including on-water and laboratory measurement of technique and crew timing.
Charlie is himself a qualified rowing coach and has competed at elite level as a lightweight sculler. He supervises research students studying rowing biomechanics and sport physiology.
Charlie assists and advises OUWLRC’s coaching team to develop and improve training methodology in conjunction with various aspects of scientific testing and analysis.
Sarah Graham – Nutritionist
Sarah Graham works in the Human Performance and Nutrition Laboratories at Oxford Brookes University. She has an MSc in Sports and Exercise Nutrition, with a special interest in substrate utilisation and nutrient timing. Sarah is currently researching carbohydrate timing and running capacity.
Sarah is also a qualified Personal Trainer and has worked for4 years giving fitness and nutritional advice to athletes and gym goers. She supervises research students studying sports nutrition in all fields of sport.
Sarah assists and advises OUWLRC to develop and improve nutrition strategies to enable the girls to progress in their training and to be in the best physical condition for competition on race day.
