Claire Aitken
Squads
About Claire:
Why did you choose DPhil in Cardiovascular Science?
I am researching how blood flow contributes to the development of fatty plaques inside the blood vessels, which is the main cause of heart attack and stroke. This appeals to me because I enjoy understanding how things work, and because this type of research is vital for improving disease treatments, so I feel like I’m contributing to something important.
Why did you first try rowing?
I knew I wanted to try a new sport when I went to university, although I wasn’t sure which one to choose. I decided to try a rowing taster session because I had friends who wanted to join the boat club, and after going along to a few of the initial sessions I was completely hooked.
Who introduced you to the sport of rowing?
Calum McBurney, Cormac McMurray and Allie Macfarlane at University of Glasgow
What are your proudest rowing achievements?
Winning gold in the championship W2- at BUCS regatta, representing Scotland and winning gold at the Home International Regatta in 2015 and 2016, and competing in the 2023 Boat Race.
Do you have a favourite Boat Race? Which one and why?
Probably the 2015 Boat Race, because it was the first Boat Race where the women’s race was held on the same day and course as the men’s race. It took the work from many inspirational women to make that happen, so it’s a very special one.
What would winning The Boat Race mean to you?
During the the 7 months of the Boat Race season, you are completely focused on the one goal of winning the Boat race; you think about it every day. Being able to make that goal happen would mean so much, especially because of the number of people – teammates, coaches, friends and family – supporting you to achieve this goal.
