News
Mercantile Radio Episode 59
Published Tue 20 Oct 2026
The Greatest Finish- Joseph Sullivan’s London 2012 Olympic Rowing Gold - Episode 59
London 2012 Olympic Gold | Nathan Cohen | New Zealand Rowing | Coastal Rowing | America's Cup
From being told he was too small to becoming an Olympic champion and discovering a new passion for coastal rowing.
One of the most extraordinary finishes in Olympic rowing history. A New Zealand double scull that seemed out of contention. And an athlete who spent much of his career being told he was too small to succeed.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
In this episode of Mercantile Radio, Olympic gold medallist Joseph Sullivan joins Drew Ginn OAM to revisit his unforgettable victory alongside Nathan Cohen in the Men's Double Sculls at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Joseph takes us inside the final 500 metres, when the New Zealand crew surged past three boats to claim Olympic gold. He shares how they developed their extraordinary finishing speed, why trust and complementary strengths mattered more than conventional technique, and how years of training prepared them for one of rowing's greatest Olympic comebacks.
This conversation goes well beyond London. Joseph reflects on his early rowing years in Picton, New Zealand, repeated selection setbacks, the influence of the New Zealand high-performance system at Lake Karapiro, his difficult transition out of Olympic rowing, and his experiences with the America's Cup, coastal rowing and Beach Sprint rowing.
Now a firefighter, father and coastal rowing coach, Joseph shares a powerful perspective on resilience, athlete wellbeing, teamwork and why enjoyment should remain at the heart of sport.
Who Is Joseph Sullivan?
Joseph Sullivan is a New Zealand Olympic rowing champion, World Champion and former international sculler, best known for winning gold with Nathan Cohen in the Men's Double Sculls at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Growing up in Picton on New Zealand's South Island, Joseph began rowing after success in school cross-country running. Despite being told early in his career that he was too small to become a successful rower, he developed into one of New Zealand's most accomplished scullers.
His international journey included junior and Under 23 World Championship success, World Championship gold in the double scull, and the remarkable London 2012 Olympic victory.
After his flatwater rowing career, Joseph transferred his competitive abilities into the America's Cup sailing environment before rediscovering his love of racing through coastal rowing.
Today, Joseph works as a firefighter in New Zealand and is involved in coaching and developing the next generation of coastal rowers.
Partners
