George Oliver

Age: 26
Location: Bristol
Occupation: Assistant Quantity Surveyor - Leadbitter

George was born on the 11th December which means this year he'll be enjoying his birthday out in the middle of the Atlantic!

He is currently employed by Leadbitter Construction in Bristol, whilst studying to be a Quantity Surveyor at the “University of the West of England” or U.W.E. as a part-time student.

George moved to Bristol 5 years ago from London to set up his own Personal Training company after gaining a VTCT in the industry as well as other numerous diplomas and NVQ’s in massage and gym instructorship.

Fuelled from a young age by his family (father and older brothers) and his schooling he found the sport of Rowing. There he ended up in his final year as Captain of Boats and head of the schools 1st VIII. There were also stints in GB Training camps and GB boats both IV’s and VIII’s. He has kept his passion for fitness up ever since.

George started his adventures at the age of 16 when he was selected to go on an expedition to the Greater Himalayas. He was the youngest ever and had flouted some rules by breaking the minimum age limit but he was bigger than some of the others! It was regarded as being the toughest of expeditions that the British Schools Exploring Society had ever done after experiencing freak weather conditions, a lack of knowledge for the area (it hadn’t been mapped since the 1940’s by the British Army and a lot had changed) and slightly un-timely logistical problems. He experienced many hardships and grew up very quickly over those 6 weeks as well as putting in some serious climbing and altitudes but it installed in him a passion and a drive that he would beat that experience someday and start doing more adventures and expeditions when he was older.

That time has now come.

George has been following the Atlantic Ocean Rowing Races since his return from India for later on in that same year he heard about the first Race across the Atlantic in December 1997. He vowed he would take part in the next one but due to circumstances he ended up in Turkey teaching Sailing and Waterskiing for a year. Now he feels it is time to go out and conquer the Atlantic and what better way to do it than being a member of the crew who’s aim it is to attempt and break the longest standing and most sought after title in Ocean Rowing!