Episode overview

What does it take to reinvent yourself as an athlete, move beyond the limitations of lightweight rowing and become a World Rowing Champion?
In this episode of Mercantile Radio, host Drew Ginn OAM sits down with Irish rowing star Margaret “Mags” Cremen, a two-time Olympian and World Champion, during her visit to Australia for the Golden Oar event.

Mags shares her remarkable journey from representing Ireland in the Lightweight Women's Double Sculls at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games to making the transition into open-weight rowing and winning World Championship gold in the Women's Double Sculls.
It's a story of resilience, self-belief, adaptability and rediscovering the joy of rowing.

Mags reflects on the unforgettable World Championship final, where a storm delayed racing, the conditions changed and she and her crewmate remained focused on what they could control. Through belief, trust and a commitment to their own race plan, they delivered the performance of their lives.

She also speaks openly about the challenges of lightweight rowing, the importance of nutrition and recovery, and how changing her mindset towards strength, technique and performance has transformed her approach to the sport.

Who is Mags Cremen?

Margaret “Mags” Cremen is an Irish Olympic rower and World Rowing Champion who has represented Ireland at two Olympic Games.
Her international rowing journey includes:

• Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Eighth in the Lightweight Women's Double Sculls.
• 2022 World Rowing Championships: Bronze medal in the Lightweight Women's Double Sculls.
• Paris 2024 Olympics: Fifth in the Lightweight Women's Double Sculls.
  World Championship gold: Women's Double Sculls following her transition from lightweight to open-weight rowing.
• After Paris, Mags questioned whether she would continue competing. However, her love of rowing, her teammates and the opportunities the sport provides inspired her to embrace a new challenge.

Her transition to open-weight rowing has been about more than physical strength. It has been a transformation in mindset, nutrition, technical development and confidence.

Why is this conversation important?
Mags' journey offers a powerful message to athletes navigating change, setbacks and uncertainty.

With lightweight rowing no longer part of the Olympic program, her success demonstrates that a change in pathway does not have to mean the end of an athlete's ambitions.

Her reflections on nutrition, recovery and the pressures of making weight are particularly valuable for young athletes, coaches and parents. Mags openly acknowledges how her previous approach to fuelling affected her recovery and how prioritising nutrition has helped her train and perform.

She also explores the importance of enjoying the process, trusting your preparation and recognising that success is built through the work you do every day.

Perhaps the most inspiring part of Mags' story is that she initially didn't even want to try rowing. Today, she is a World Champion, two-time Olympian and an inspiration to the next generation of Irish rowers.

Episode highlights

• World Championship gold: The incredible final, storm delays and the belief that made victory possible.
• Lightweight to open-weight rowing: Reinventing herself after the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
• Two Olympic Games: The journey from Tokyo 2020 to the Paris 2024 Olympic final.
• Strength, nutrition and recovery: Why fuelling properly has transformed her training and performance.
• The secret to boat speed: Developing rowing technique, efficiency and rhythm to compete against physically stronger athletes.
• Mindset and self-belief: Staying relaxed, trusting your training and focusing on what you can control.
• Crew connection: The importance of trust, teamwork and enjoying the experience together.
• Irish rowing success: The community, culture and friendships that have shaped her journey.
• Rowing in Australia: Competing at the Golden Oar and connecting with the international rowing community.
• Road to LA 2028: Building strength, improving technique and embracing the next Olympic challenge.

Why you should listen?
Whether you're an Olympic rowing fan, athlete, coach, parent or someone navigating a change in direction, Mags' story provides valuable insights into resilience, high performance and personal growth.

Her journey reminds us that success isn't always about being the strongest athlete or following the pathway you originally imagined. Sometimes it's about adapting, believing in yourself and finding a new way to succeed. And through it all, Mags' love of rowing, her teammates and the opportunities the sport creates remains at the heart of her story.

An inspiring conversation about Olympic rowing, World Championship success and the courage to embrace change.

From Lightweight to World Champion: Mags Cremen | Irish Rowing Champion- Episode 62  will go live on Monday 9 November at 10:00am AEST.