![](https://origin.theboatrace.org/wp-content/uploads/Jennie-Astley-700x996.jpg)
Jennie Astley
Squads
About Jennie:
Why did you first try rowing?
I was disabled for the first 2 years of my undergrad (age 18-20) due to autoimmune arthritis and couldn’t walk very well so obviously couldn’t exercise. After 2 years of very poor health I got access to medication that evaporated my symptoms and wanted to throw myself into sport – rowing was a great choice as it was low impact and loads of fun
Who introduced you to the sport of rowing?
We didn’t really have a coach – at my undergrad college we were taught by students who learned to row the year before at Berwick Amateur Rowing Club/St Cuthbert’s Society Boat Club
Where else have you rowed?
Cantabrigian Rowing Club (Cambridge), Wolfson College Boat Club (Oxford)
What are your proudest rowing achievements?
Being in the winning Trial VIIIs boat in 2022
What would winning The Boat Race mean to you?
Being part of a squad with such a history is amazing in itself. But to be on the team when Oxford win, especially with a few years since the last women’s squad win, would be phenomenal.