Reasons to be cheerful—James Cracknell

The winner of five world championships and two Olympic gold medals for rowing, James Cracknell recently rowed across the Atlantic in 40 days

My pride and joy is my little boy, Croyde, who is now two and a half years old.

The best hotel room in the world is Carlisle Bay, Antigua.

My favourite restaurant table is the furthest table from the door at Browns in Kew. It’s special to me because it’s where my wife and I had our first date.

The best clothes I’ve bought recently have been from Victor Victoria.

The best book I’ve read recently is The Very Hungry Caterpillar [by Eric Carle].

The best music I’ve heard for ages is still nowhere near as good as Radiohead’s OK Computer.

I rowed across the Atlantic because it was a chance to test myself away from my comfy life in London. I was able to see what it felt like to be self-sufficient and isolated. In fact, it wasn’t very nice. But I found out a lot about myself.

The best thing about the Olympics is that it only happens every four years. You have to get it right on that one day and so does everyone else competing, so it’s a big challenge.

What I love about spring is not having to wear a coat.

Three other reasons to be cheerful are knowing that all things must pass; that nothing is as bad as being stuck in the middle of the Atlantic with water all around you, but none to drink; and that there’s a World Cup on the way.

James is available to speak at events. For details, visit www.mtc-uk.com