William O'Connell
Squads
About William:
What course are you studying and what level?
MBA
Why did you chose that course?
I was looking to broaden my network on an international level, and gain the prestige of attending a world class university
When, where and why did you start rowing? And what do you love about the sport?
I took up rowing in high school in 2011 because I couldn’t make it on the tennis team. I kept rowing because I loved the team aspect of the sport, and being out on the water in the warm weather on Sydney harbour.
What was your first rowing club and coach?
Sydney Rowing Club. Coach was Jason Baker – former pair partner of Drew Ginn
What or who was the earliest sporting inspiration you remember as a child?
Kurtley Beale – had a crazy goose step on him. Watch his 2005/2006 highlights from high school and you’ll see why.
How has rowing and being part of the Boat Race squad impacted your life?
Massively, I’m living out a childhood dream of rowing and competing for Oxford.
If you weren’t a rower, what sport do you think you’d excel at?
Darts
What is your favourite non-academic book?
With the old breed – E.B. Sledge