The Rower - Pete Collett
Education: Bournemouth University, UK
Resident: Sydney, Australia
Height/Weight: 6'3" / 91Kg
Sailing: Multiple ocean races Sydney to Hobart ('04)/ Southport('02/'03/'04)
Mooloolaba('03/'04)/ Hamilton Island ('04). Tahiti Nui Cup ('02). Falmouth to Cork ('98)
Hobbies: Surfing, Sailing, Spear-fishing, Rowing, Running, Scuba diving
Who is Peter Collett and why does he want to row an ocean all on his own? What drives him? Where is he from? What does he hope to achieve from entering this race? The following few paragraphs will give you an insight into the man who wants to take on this challenge.
Born into a family of sporting high achievers, Peter has grown up in an atmosphere of competition. With a mother who is a 3-time world biathlon champion (run/swim/run) and regular member of the British national team; and who's father is also a member of the Great Britain Biathlon and swimming teams; he grew up in a world of winners. His older brother Michael has also been a member of the English long distance swimming team and also proved himself as a biathlete and triathlete. "Watching my big bro in the Iron Bridge Iron Man Triathlon 10 years ago was truely inspirational for me! The course was incredibly tough and it was Mikes first attempt at this distance. He flew around the course and finished in the leading pack. I was expecting him to collapse at the finish, but he just wiped the sweat from his brow and came straight out for a night on the town. That's the sign of a man at his peak and in complete control! An incredible athlete who still makes time to enjoy life!"
Peter was born in the south of England and spent the majority of his early years immersed in water. Following an early love of competitive pool swimming and triathlons, Peter's focus quickly turned to the open ocean. A great respect for the sea was forged whilst spending his summer's working as a volunteer life guard. At the same time, a love of the ocean was formed through his hobbies which included surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing, often in the freezing temperatures of the northern European winter.
In late 2000, Peter migrated to Sydney Australia (where he has now settled). Here he has been able to combine his career with his love of sport at a new level. Upon arrival, Peter joined the crew of an ocean racing yacht in Sydney and learnt new skills that would allow him to compete in many of the yacht races that are held in Australia each year. With thousands of sea miles accumulated in races such as the famous Sydney to Hobart, the Tahiti Nui Cup and the Sydney to Mooloolaba race, Peter found his true love - sailing the high seas. The challenge of managing a boat, maintaining a course and resolving any problems that are faced is what Peter lives for. This appreciation of the ocean and a life time of sporting endeavors have led Peter to the biggest challenge of his life.
Since the inaugural Atlantic Rowing Race in 1997, Peter has dreamed of competing in this event. After 9 years of following the race, Peter is now preparing himself mentally and physically to compete as a solo entrant in the 2007 WoodVale Atlantic Rowing Race. Drawing on all his experiences and honing his skills to become completely self-sufficient, Peter is focusing on completing the 3000 mile/5000 kilometre route unassisted to become the first Australian citizen to ever row any ocean!
