THE PITCH

Good Sport

How does it feel to be returning to the Boat Race?

The last one I raced I lost so I see next year as a great opportunity to put that right. I also have a solid appreciation of Cambridge life having taken a year away from it, so it’s amazing to be able to return to the University.

How was it teaming up with your former opponent Louloudis so soon after the race?

Teaming up with Constantine was slightly awkward initially, but we rowed together the previous summer and are pretty good mates so it wasn’t a huge deal.

You recently won Silver at the World Cup in Belgrade, how’s the preparation going for the Olympics?

I’m rowing with Will Satch at the moment in the pair and we’ve been putting in some hard yards recently. We had a great race in Belgrade, but there are a few really fast pairs that weren’t there who will be at the next race in Lucerne.

How’s it been rowing in a squad of characters like Greg Searle?

Greg was rowing in an era when British rowing wasn’t anywhere near the kind of well drilled machine it is now so he brings a lot of positive vibes to the group when the program gets tough. For the most part though, the social dynamic is similar to that of a group of Chimpanzees to be honest.

Which do you think is harder: rowing in the GB squad or balancing Blues with your degree?

I think I found balancing Cambridge rowing with a degree was significantly harder than rowing full time. I put in similar training hours at the moment to what the guys do in Cambridge but in between I nap and eat cookies and watch telly instead of stressing out over academic deadlines and trying to stay awake in lectures.

Do you reckon you’ll trial again when you finish your time at Cambridge?

Full time rowing is about having the motivation and desire to physically and mentally better yourself. As long as I have that I will carry on.