As the top-ranked crew in the world, reigning world champions and the only undefeated team in 2008, the Canadian men's heavyweight rowing eights is one of the favorites to win gold this summer. With all (but one) of its members standing well above the 6-foot mark and weighing in at over 200lbs, the Canadian boat's size and power has become their hallmark for success.

But the man leading Canada's charge into the Shunyi waters this week is their 5-foot-4, 121-pound coxswain, Brian Price. City Weekend got in touch with the cox captain to get his thoughts on workouts, Wii's and what it takes to be an Olympic champion.

City Weekend: Coxswains are kind of the unsung heroes of rowing. How did you get started in it?

Brian Price: Watching the Olympics on TV made me want to become a downhill skier, but I didn't grow up anywhere near a good ski hill and I was just too small. After the rowing success Canada had in 1992, I realized I was the perfect size to be a coxswain. In 1994, I went down to the local club and signed up. Straightaway they put me into the coxwain seat and never even asked me if I wanted to row.

CW: Honestly, how great is it to boss around eight burly men all day long?

BP: It is quite a rush to feel the power on their oars and the speed of the boat. The intensity for me only increases when they respond to a call I have made and the boat goes even faster - there’s no feeling quite like it.

CW: What is your training schedule like compared to the rest of the team?

BP: Personally, I don't have a training regime. I attend all of the practices either with the Eights or watching in a coach's boat with our coach.

CW: Has your routine changed at all since qualifying for the Olympics?

BP: I do watch what I eat as I approach the regatta season, but as long as my weight is 55kg on race day, it's fine. Salad’s are my friend.

CW: At the last Olympics, the Canadian men finished a disappointing fifth. What did you learn from that experience?

BP: Other crews in that race raised their game and we did not. It was something that we learned the hard way and a lesson that we have not forgotten over the past four years. We have a lot more experience in the boat this time and recognize the gravity of an Olympic final.

CW: So then, which teams do you have to keep an eye out for this year?

BP: We raced at the Lucerne World Cup Regatta in June, and we got some stiff competition from China. They have really improved over the last couple of years and are making a serious charge in the Eights. The US were not in Lucerne, but as defending Olympic champions, they can always field a top class boat. Great Britain and Australia have also shown they can run with the front of the pack.

CW: After the terrific season you've had, a lot of people are expecting you to medal, if not win the men's Eights event. How do you handle those expectations?

BP:We all recognize that there is pressure on us, but nobody puts more pressure on ourselves than we do. We know we have the ability to win and I think we have demonstrated this over the past year. Our focus needs to be on doing it at the Olympics and trust that the training we have done will put us into a position to win the race.

CW: Have you been to China before?

BP: No. I have only seen pictures and played Mario and Sonic: Beijing Olympics on my Wii.

CW: Haha. And what have your Wii Mario adventures made you most excited to see?

BP: I’m not really going to have a chance to enjoy the city until after my competition is over. I have one singular focus at the moment and that is winning a gold medal.

Catch Brian and his boys in Men's Eights action all this week! Go for gold!