About William:

What course are you studying and what level?

BA in Medicine – preclinical

Why did you chose that course?

More interesting and important/meaningful than a desk job

When, where and why did you start rowing? And what do you love about the sport?

I started in my first year at uni rowing for my college, because I felt it would be daft not to take advantage of the opportunity that I might not get again! Then as I have slowly improved, I’ve gradually gotten more hooked. So far my favourite rowing experience has been the Summer Eights campaign with my college’s first boat – our results weren’t the best but the camaraderie was brilliant

What was your first rowing club and coach?

Balliol college boat club. Coached by Toby Lassen of Oxford Brookes and GB U23s

What or who was the earliest sporting inspiration you remember as a child?

Probably Sir Ben Ainslie in the Olympics and the America’s Cup; some inspiring comebacks

How has rowing and being part of the Boat Race squad impacted your life?

It’s certainly become a very large part of my life. Feeling like I have a purpose is very important to me, which is why I chose medicine, and also why being part of this squad with one goal at the end has been worth the commitment

If you weren’t a rower, what sport do you think you’d excel at?

Possibly triathlon. In fact I might try it if and when I get fed up with rowing

What is your favourite non-academic book?

Alchemy by Rory Sutherland

Find out more about William from:

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