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Mind over muscle: How Rob Waddell mastered the mental game
Sport Nation • May 28th, 2026 9:04 am
Rob Waddell | Photo: Photosport
While Rob Waddell’s physical endurance defined his rowing career, the Kiwi rower believes it was his mental strength that ultimately set him apart.
Long before sports psychology became mainstream, Waddell says he placed a premium on mental preparation, embracing it as a cornerstone of performance.
In an era when seeking psychological support was often stigmatised, Waddell worked closely with sports psychologist Gary Hermanson.
Rather than viewing mental training as a last resort, he treated it as essential - equal in importance to physical conditioning.
The results spoke for themselves. In 1998 and 1999, he claimed back-to-back world titles. By Sydney 2000, he wasn’t just competing, he was dominating - winning New Zealand's only gold medal by topping the podium in the Men's Single Sculls.
"I was a big believer in mental preparation," Waddell said.
"Back then, it was something you spoke about in muffled tones, and if you saw a sports psychologist, it was normally because there's something wrong with you.
"That preparation does become really critical."
The 51-year-old joined Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy to reflect on his legendary career on the water, and how mastering the mental helped him thrive when the anxiety and nerves were at their highest and the spotlight the brightest.
Listen to the full interview below:
