Bronya Sykes

Nationality

GBR

Height

181.5cm

School/high school/secondary school

Withington Girls School

Club

CUBC

Undergraduate/graduate

Undergraduate

Undergraduate course

Archaeology (Biological Anthropology)

Cambridge college

Gonville and Caius

Why are you studying your course?

I switched over from Natural Sciences this year so that I could take Biological Anthropology. I really wanted to study the evolution of human behaviour and ecology.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

My dissertation, I’m looking at Neanderthal burial behaviour from Shanidar Cave in Iraq. It was originally excavated in the 50s and there were lots of theories that they buried their dead with flowers and grave markers. I am looking specifically at whether the rocks found in association with the skeletons are likely to be just rockfall or deliberately placed.

Year you first started rowing

2011

First rowing club

Trafford Rowing Club

Why/how did you get into rowing?

My dad coached juniors at the local club so obviously I wanted to try it.

Name of first rowing coach

Andy Sykes (and Martin Chandler)

Who is your rowing idol?

I think I’ve always been quite inspired by people on the team, everyone brings something unique to the squad.

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

I try to use my time more productively.

What is your rowing history, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?

I learnt to row at 11. I won a bronze at the National Sculling Head when I was 14, but other than that I spent most of my time as a junior just having fun. I got my Level 2 coaching qualification and worked as a coach in my gap year. I started at Cambridge in September 2019 and was selected in my first year for the Blue Boat.

Have you raced in the Boat Race before? If yes, when?

I was selected for the 2020 cancelled race and then I raced in the 2021 Boat Race in Ely.

Have you ever been at school/university/on a team with anyone at ‘the other place’?

No

Your favourite race so far?

Boat Race 2021. I thought I’d be nervous, but I was oddly calm. From the moment we woke up that morning I think we were just having the best time.

Where would be your dream place to row?

I’d really like to go to one of those famous lakes surrounded by mountains like the Rotsee.

Obviously, there are long hours and hard work, what inspires you to keep rowing?

Obviously, it’s always motivating to see the scores getting faster, feeling fitter and stronger, rowing better, but it’s made so much more exciting by the fact that the team is so supportive. Everyone hypes each other and celebrates each other’s successes, which is a really positive driving force. I’m also quite involved with the junior squad from my home club and knowing that I might have inspired a few of them and that I’ve shown what someone from Trafford can do is nice, especially given the amount of support they give me.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

On the Thames in Windsor. I wouldn’t want to train there regularly but it was fun to row around Windsor Castle. Otherwise, I like Eton Dorney in summer.

What do you feel is your greatest achievement through rowing, be it accolades or something more personal?

Winning the Boat Race last year was obviously a big one. I was also proud of myself for doing the champ 1x at BUCS. I used to hate rowing in a single (particularly at Nottingham) because I was terrible at dealing with a bit of wind and chop, so it was nice to be able to prove to myself that I could go out and produce a performance I was happy with.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

How would you describe the sport to a non-rower?

I’m not sure, other than probably suggest that they try it.

What is your favourite movie about sports?

I, Tonya

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

It’s made me more confident. Being part of the rowing community has made me feel supported and appreciated and I think I am then able to provide this for other people as a result.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. I can be a little clumsy around the boathouse, but I haven’t managed to eject myself out of a boat or anything like that yet.

Why do you think someone outside of the sport can relate to your career as an athlete?

I didn’t have the most successful time as a junior, it’s taken me a long time to start achieving my goals. Some people do get success quickly, but I think for most people it’s a long journey to achieve their goals.

What are your strengths, as a person and as an athlete?

Probably the things that most athletes are: driven, focused, a little bit stubborn.

What do your friends think of your athletic success? How do you handle missing out on activities with friends because of your athletic schedule?

A lot of my friends have some link to rowing, even if not at Cambridge, which is nice as it means they understand to some degree what’s going on and can be excited for me as well as understanding if I can’t do as much with them. And to be honest the boat club itself is also where I see a lot of my friends, so I don’t feel like I am missing out on much because they’re all here too.

Do you think you can win the Boat Race? Why?

Yes. On a personal level having won it before I have that belief that I can do it, and I am continuing to make progress. As a team we have the breadth and depth to achieve it. Regardless of who ends up in the boat everyone is contributing by continuing to push each other to the next level. We have positive competition within the squad, and I believe this has provided a strong environment for people to challenge themselves.