1 mins
Bronya Sykes
With a return to relative normality, we have been faced with old challenges, including the usual time constraints that busy students have rushing to get to lectures, labs and supervisions on time. We’ve had a hard seven months, facing cold and windy conditions out at Ely, tiring drives to and from London and late nights in the gym. It’s a new challenge to the one we faced last year, where we were stuck training in our houses and college rooms, but despite the dark early mornings and inclement British weather we are grateful to return to this typical Boat Race routine. Every athlete in this year’s team has shown real drive and commitment. They have continually pushed hard and made the most of every opportunity the club has provided them. This has been led by a dedicated coaching and support team, in particular Paddy Ryan and Autumn Mantell, who have committed to pushing the boundaries, trying new things and setting the standard.
I am proud of every member of the squad, in a year which has been as exciting, unique and challenging as the last. We only have two athletes who have past experience of a Boat Race on the Tideway, but the rest are buoyed with energy and enthusiasm for our return to the Championship Course. Now that we are into the final countdown, we are looking forward to spending as much time in London as we can, becoming as comfortable as possible in our home away from home. The crews are approaching their final stage of preparation in which we mould together as a single unit. We can’t wait to line up on the start line ready to race for the Light Blues.