Where did you learn to row and who was your first coach?

Hatfield College, Durham and later Durham University Boat Club - Ian Shore.

What inspires you about sport?

In competitive sport there is no substitute for hard work and putting in the hours. I love the fact that whether it be working towards your own personal goals, or watching along as your friends/teammates push towards theirs, it is truly the most dedicated people that achieve the most. It inspires me to get that bit better every day.

Explain your earliest memory of The Boat Race

Having grown up less that 10 miles from the Championship Course, The Boat Race has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My dad and his friends always watched the race from Barnes, so I was first brought along as a toddler, and have been watching ever since.

Despite only starting coxing at university, I think my fascination with the sport started in watching The Boat Race. I was raised as a Cambridge supporter (despite really having no affiliation), so it now feels surreal to be trialling for them this season.

Do you relish in hours in the gym and miles in the dark, or do you live for race days?

As a cox, the challenges are admittedly slightly different to those of the rowers.

I can’t say that I relish the thought of the dark and cold mornings at Ely, but it is all part of the experience, and builds you into a much stronger team.

That being said, for me it’s all about race day - I relish the pressure and seeing the reward for all of the hard work put in over the preceding months.

What's the secret to managing elite-level sport with studying at one of the top universities in the world?

Time management is crucial, having a clear view of your to do list and minimising dead time in the day.

I’m hoping that my years of high-level rowing at Thames RC, whilst managing a full-time job will equip me well for finding this balance.