2021 ATHLETE Q&A
Costi Levy
Cox
Club: OUWBC
Height: 163cm
School: St Paul’s Girls’ School
International rowing record: n/a
Year started rowing: 2015
How have you coped this year?
I’ve been trying to take it one day at a time and accept that I often will not be able to plan ahead. Making fun plans with housemates outside of training and work has also been a great help.
Could you build a strong team culture while training virtually?
With the difficulties that this year has brought, it’s been more important than ever to build a positive team culture. Our President, Kaitlyn, has helped to develop a team culture stronger than ever by coordinating team socials, as well as talks from a nutritionist and sports psychologist.
Were the isolated ergs better or worse than expected?
As a cox, I didn’t have ergs to do, but I really missed being on the water. That said, it was great to see everyone getting much stronger and setting PBs.
What was your lockdown training set up?
No water sessions meant much more time sat at a desk revisiting old recordings and watching past Boat Races.
How do you cope with race day nerves?
In the days leading up to the race I spend some time each day visualising how it might feel to sit on the start line. By the time we’re there I feel confident in the strength of the crew and our ability to work together.
The biggest challenge?
Not being able to spend time with teammates has felt difficult at times. It is a huge factor in what I love about the sport.
The toughest session?
Any sprint session on the erg is tough for the rowers – the coxes have really admired the strength of the team in making it through all the land training.
The best day, so far?
Trial VIIIs was an incredible experience. We all felt really lucky to have been able to hold the race, given the circumstances, and it was a great opportunity to get some race experience.
Only the Blue Boat races on the 4th April 2021: What’s it like splitting the squad?
It’s been really tough on the squad. The big team morale, and the feeling of going out in a large fleet of boats is really enjoyable. And it’s hard knowing that we get to be out on the water, but other team members don’t.
Is it strange to train without the reserve eight?
It feels really strange to be training without some of my close friends, and it’s hard on them as well. But it is good to know that the Osiris race will still go ahead later in the season.
How did it feel getting back on the water?
It’s been incredible to get back on the water – each session we are so grateful to be back. There’s definitely a sense of mission, given the short lead up to the race. Each day out on the water is really important.
Why do you want to beat Cambridge?
Winning the Boat Race would be a huge testament to the hard work put in by the crew and the coaches over what now feels like a year and a half.