James Nash
Squad
About James Nash
Where did you learn to row and who was your first coach?
I briefly learned to scull at King Edward VI School, coached by Matthew Browning and properly took up the sport at Downing College Boat Club, mainly coached by Ian Watson and Rian Howe.
What inspires you about sport?
I think sport, and rowing in particular, tests you in every way possible. The challenge and difficulty of rowing teaches you lessons that I think you'd struggle to get elsewhere.
Explain your earliest memory of The Boat Race
For my family watching The Boat Race is just something we've always done. We don't really watch much sport as a family, but the race has always been a must! As a child I'd always watch and think how cool it would be to become a part of such a historic event.
Do you relish in hours in the gym and miles in the dark, or do you live for race days?
Whilst it might sound a cliche I'd have to say the training is my favourite. It is gruelling at times, but nothing beats long sunrise rows with a great group of guys. I'm also a big fan of the erg so that's probably a reason why I'd have to say hours in the gym!
What's the secret to managing elite-level sport with studying at one of the top universities in the world?
I think being really proactive in managing my schedule and workload is the key. Just making sure to get things done as soon as possible and staying on top of things makes everything less stressful.
