Crazy, motivated, confident, influential and disciplined — these are just some of the words that describe triple Olympic gold medallist and winner of seven world championships, James Tomkins.

Having competed at every Olympics since Seoul 1988, this Oarsome Foursome veteran and Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder is a proud member of the Australian Olympic team for a record sixth time. He will turn 43 during the Games but Tomkins feels as fit as he did when he was 25.

Sport has been this man’s life. With a career spanning more than two decades, the former Carey Grammar School rower admits good genes, coordination and a drive to do things well have contributed to his success.

With a gold in the men’s pair in the Athens 2004 Games and gold in the men’s four at both the Atlanta 1996 and Barcelona 1992 Games, this cool, calm and experienced rower will sit confidently in the six seat of the men’s eight — a boat he was World and Commonwealth champion 22 years ago.

Proudly carrying the flag for the 2008 Australian Olympic team, Tomkins represents all things Australian. His love for his sport, his motivation to continue to perform — proving age has no barrier — and his immense capacity for self-discipline, makes him an inspiration to us all.

Watch this super-charged, super-cool Australian Institute of Sport athlete in action on Sunday 10 August as he drives our men’s eight in arguably the most fickle boat class of the competition.