3 mins
Adriana Perez Rotondo
Nationality
ESP
Height
181cm
School/high school/secondary school
Lycee Francais de Madrid
Club
CUBC
Undergraduate/graduate
Graduate
Previous University
Columbia University
Undergraduate course
Mathematics and Physics
Graduate course
PhD in Engineering -Computational Neuroscience
Cambridge college
Newnham
Why are you studying your course?
After finishing my undergraduate and master’s in mathematics and physics, I wanted to embark on a new challenge and study theoretical neuroscience. The brain is a fascinating structure; it is responsible for all our behaviours but most of its function remains a mystery. In my PhD I study how the brain works from fundamental principles using mathematical and computational tools.
Year you first started rowing
2018
First rowing club
Newnham College Boat Club
What is the most interesting part of your course?
As a PhD student in theoretical neuroscience, I research how architectural features of neural circuits in the cerebellum help with online motor learning for the execution of fast smooth movements. I really enjoy finding motivation for my research in everyday tasks, especially rowing as it requires the coordination of muscles.
Why/how did you get into rowing?
When I started studying at Cambridge, my college boat club asked me to join, probably because of my height. So, I gave it a try and loved it.
Name of first rowing coach
Claudia Catacchio, Rhiannon Smith and Patrick Ryan.
How do you balance rowing and academic life?
Lots of organisation and discipline to separate rowing time from working time.
What is your rowing history, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?
I have rowed in two Boat Races including one in the Blue Boat and won both. I won two gold medals at BUCS and two silver medals. The HRR 2019 Friday’s Town Challenge Cup and the HRR 2021 Saturday’s Island Challenge Cup.
Have you raced in the Boat Race before? If yes, when?
Yes. 2019 Blondie, 2021 Blue Boat.
Have you ever been at school/university/on a team with anyone at ‘the other place’?
Yes. This year we have Emma who rowed in Osiris last year.
What is the best place you have ever rowed?
Henley
Your favourite race so far?
2021 Boat Race
Obviously, there are long hours and hard work, what inspires you to keep rowing?
I love training every day with amazing, motivated people. I love the feeling of a boat when it is going well just gliding on the water. I love racing.
Where would be your dream place to row?
I would love to row in New Zealand.
What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?
Capsizing a pair in the first week of the 2019 season with the fastest person on the team.
Why do you think someone outside of the sport can relate to your career as an athlete?
Some non-rowers can relate to loving something so much that is worth making sacrifices and having everyday discipline. Although most people have more trouble understanding why we would put ourselves through so much pain.
What do your friends think of your athletic success? How do you handle missing out on activities with friends because of your athletic schedule?
Most of my friends are also rowers so they tend to understand the schedule. Those who aren’t tend to be quite proud of the achievements and think I am a bit crazy for the schedule I choose to have and all the sacrifices I make.
Do you think you can win the Boat Race? Why?
Yes. I trust the program, the coaches and the hard work my teammates put in every day.
Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?
Hiking and most things that involve being in nature.