Tim Foster
Now an elite coach, Tim Foster became a household name during his career as a British Olympic rower. Part of the coxless four who won Gold at the Sydney Games in the year 2000, Foster’s determination and technique have served to inspire a new generation of sportsmen and women.
Tim Foster's videos
Available for
Languages:Â
- English
Tim Foster's 2025 biography
Meet Tim Foster MBE
Tim represented Great Britain at 3 Olympics as part of the national rowing team from 1987 – 2000. During his rowing career he won a total of 9 World Championship and 2 Olympic medals – only twice in 14 years failing to medal.
Tim was renowned for his technical skill, ability to adapt to a team, producing peak performance under pressure, and enabling and facilitating others to perform at maximum efficiency. After achieving his goal of winning a gold medal as part of the Coxless Four at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, Tim retired from international rowing.
On retiring as an athlete, Tim transferred straight into coaching. He coached the GB Team from 2001 – 2006; and was Head Coach of the Swiss National Rowing Team from 2007 – 2012. Tim has coached World and Olympic Champions and successfully transitioned the Swiss national team into their most successful period for 20 years.
In transferring from top international athlete to top international coach, Tim achieved something that very few sports people have done – being successful in both. It is the false assumption that success in one will lead to success in the other, and the very short list of successful transitions proves this. Tim is still debating whether his previous expertise is a hindrance or a help to his coaching career.
Since 2012, Tim has focussed on translating his skills to business, having also studied for an Executive MBA at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford. He has mentored businesses and individuals across many sectors including financial, legal and professional services. Clients have ranged from FTSE 100 companies to over 300 start-ups that Tim has mentored through their early years.
Tim now runs his own consultancy business, works with both the Saïd Business School and Oxford Brookes University, and is also the Head of Performance for the League Managers Association – advising professional football managers at the top of the English game on their own performance and career development.