Boat Race History

• 2019 – Cambridge Women’s Lightweight Boat
• 2021 – Cambridge Women’s Reserve Boat
• 2022 – Cambridge Women’s Lightweight Boat

About Catherine:

Why did you choose DPhil in Cardiovascular Science?

The DPhil is supported by the British Heart Foundation and includes rotations in the first year before deciding on a research project. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide – I’d love to improve our knowledge of cardiovascular system development and how normal function is perturbed in disease.

Why did you first try rowing?

I never planned to get into rowing, but my school offered 6 trial sessions. I thought it would be fun to give it a go and got hooked!

Who introduced you to the sport of rowing?

Anna Blackstone and Stuart Larner at LEHBC

Where else have you rowed?

Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC, 2018-2022). Member of Cantabrigian rowing club (2022-2023) but did not row with them due to injury.

What are your proudest rowing achievements?

Highlights have to include:
– Winning the boat race in 2021 (Blondie) and 2022 (LW) ‘ even if it was for the ‘other’ side!
– Qualifying for Henley Royal in the openweight women’s pairs category in 2018 & 2019, as it was an incredible experience to race some of the top athletes in the world (even if I had food poisoning the first time around!). Also racing in the semi-finals of the Island Challenge cup in 2021.
– Winning the lightweight women’s pairs in BUCS (2019 & 2021) and lightweight double (2021).
– Racing at EUSA (European Universities Championships) in women’s pairs in 2019, where we snatched the bronze medal on the line having come from 5th position.

Do you have a favourite Boat Race? Which one and why?

I have been lucky enough to have raced in three boat races (either lightweight or openweight) in three different locations: first in Henley (2019), then in Ely (2021 after the 2020 race was cancelled) and then in London in 2022. I have excellent memories of all these years despite the challenges, but to be able to finally race on The Championship Course from Putney to Mortlake was an incredible experience.

What would winning The Boat Race mean to you?

You make such a big commitment when you decide to trial for the Boat Race, both in terms of time and energy. It is an amazing experience to train with a squad with such a focus on winning The Boat Race. The outcome of The Boat Race comes from the training over the entire season and from the support and hard work of every single member of the team (even those who do not make it to race day), so to win the race means a lot and shows that all that training has paid off.

Find out more about Catherine from:

• Instagram