Just a couple months ago, Robbie Manson was ready to retire.
He was headed back to New Zealand from a trip to the United States, and the two-time Olympic rower had had enough.
Yet here we are, in May 2020, and Manson has re-dedicated himself to his sport and a third appearance in the Summer Olympic Games.
While the Tokyo Summer Olympics may be on hold until 2021, Manson talks with me for the Five Rings To Rule Them All podcast about how he’s training now for the next international rowing season and what very well may be his final Olympics next summer.
Manson also talks about the moment at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London when he sat down with a gay Olympian to talk with him and ask him questions. At the time, Manson was just coming out to his friends and family, and the Olympian gave him some insights that helped guide him. Sorry, you’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out who that was.
You can listen to my conversation with Robbie Manson on the Megaphone player, or by visiting Apple podcasts for an easy browser player. Five Rings To Rule Them All is also available on Google Podcasts, Spotify and many more platforms. Just search for Outsports wherever you get your podcast.
You can follow Robbie Manson on Instagram @robbie_manson, or on Twitter @rob_rower.
If you’re an LGBTQ person in sports looking to connect with others in the community, head over to GO! Space to meet and interact with other LGBTQ athletes, or to Equality Coaching Alliance to find other coaches and administrators.
