At 7:40pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on Sunday 10 August 2008, an old school friend of mine by the name of James Chapman will be rowing for Australia at the Beijing Olympics.

A long time ago, in what seems like a different life, I used to row with James. While part of me wonders what could have happened if I wasn’t such a lazy bastard, most of me just hopes that Chappo can bring home some gold. While I haven’t seen him for a few years, I know that in the 10 years since we finished school, he has sacrificed so much for his sport – I hope he can reap the rewards tomorrow.

ABC News has an interview with James here. And Chappo’s blogging about his Olympic experience here. Go and check it out!

Go Chappo!