Boat Race History

• 2023 – Oxford Women’s Lightweight Boat

About Victoria:

Why did you choose BA English Language and Literature (Course II)?

I study a pathway within the English BA that allows me to focus exclusively on the medieval period and the history of the English language. I’ve enjoyed learning Old English, and love being able to examine and handle medieval manuscripts, as I believe that they can challenge many common misconceptions about the medieval period. For example, I am currently researching depictions of disability in the early medieval period.

Why did you first try rowing?

I was small and loud; coxing seemed like an obvious choice!

Who introduced you to the sport of rowing?

Michael Hennessy and Julia Michalska-Plotkowiak at St Paul’s Girls’ School

Where else have you rowed?

Tideway Scullers, Oxford University Lightweight Women, Exeter College Boat Club

What are your proudest rowing achievements?

Coxing the 2023 Lightweight Women’s Boat Race, and reaching the semi-finals at Henley Women’s Regatta in 2019.

What would winning The Boat Race mean to you?

It would be a fairy-tale ending to three years spent training.

Find out more about Victoria from:

• Instagram