Josh Bugajski – Rower

“The thing I loved most about rowing is that I could push myself to my limits.” Life has offered many opportunities for future Team GB rower, Josh Bugajski, to do just that: push himself to the limit and rise to one challenge after another.

Josh Bugajski (29) is not, perhaps, your typical Oxford Boat Race rower. He had a difficult childhood, growing up in a deprived part of Stockport where he lived with his Mum, Dad and younger brother. When he was just 7 years old, his father, left the family home. With nothing, they had to fend for themselves. This was the beginning of many years of financial turmoil with bailiffs regularly knocking at their door. 

After his Mum eventually pulled the family out of this difficult situation, Josh went on to study Pharmacy at Cardiff University where he joined the rowing team at 20 years old. He then studied Oncology at Oxford, joining their rowing team too. His resilience, ability and success led him all the way to the GB squad, where he has been preparing his mind and body for his biggest challenge so far: being a Team GB rower.

Josh was training as an Olympic rower for the Summer Tokyo Games, and after a strong start at the World Championships earning him a bronze medal, he sadly suffered a shoulder injury. Determined to make it to the Games, Josh pushed on, spending hours on his indoor bike and working with sheer determination to recover from his injury. Following the postponement of the 2020 Olympics to a future date, his Olympian dream is now back on. More eager than ever to get another shot, Josh is ready to rise up, and ready to strike gold.

Future Goals: He’s determined to win a medal at the postponed Tokyo Olympics.

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