Charlie Marcus

Cox

Nationality

GBR

Height

175cm

School/high school/secondary school

Hampton School

Club

CUBC

Undergraduate/graduate

Undergraduate

Undergraduate course

MEng Engineering

Cambridge college

Trinity

Why are you studying your course?

To gain exceptional insight into modern technology, information engineering, computer technology, nuclear engineering and their links to business.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

My project is very interesting. I am using Monte Carlo simulations to calculate the probability of criticality in a nuclear reactor over time from a start point with a low neutron population and very low power.

Year you first started rowing

2013

First rowing club

Hampton School

Name of first rowing coach

Neil Double

Who is your rowing idol?

Kevin Whyman

Why/how did you get into rowing?

Both my older siblings did it and I wanted to give it a go.

Who would be your dream team eight to row with from everyone in the history of rowing?

The 2020 Cambridge men’s Blue Boat. We haven’t rowed together since before the pandemic and never got to race at our full potential. We never knew our last row would be our last row as we just abruptly had to stop training and one more row would properly end that project.

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

Winning the 2021 men’s Boat Race. Nothing compares. Also, selection in the GB U23 women’s eight and the 2020 men’s Blue Boat are big ones. 2x 1st at Coupe De La Jeunesse 2016 in GB Junior 8+.

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

Yes, 2021 men’s Boat Race, 2019 Goldie, 2020 selected for men’s Blue Boat.

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

2021 GB U23 Women’s 8+ had Amelia Standing in, who is the OUWBC President this year. We could not race as four of the boat were contact traced the week we were meant to fly out. I coxed for 5 years at school with Joe Gellet.

Obviously, it is long hours and hard work‚ what inspires you to keep rowing?

The team. We have no individuals and everything we do is for our collective goals.

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

I have a Google calendar which plans everything 8 weeks in advance.

Your favourite races so far?

1997 and 2021 men’s Boat Races.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

Can’t beat the Tideway on a rough day where every stroke is survival.

Where would be your dream place to row?

Montlake Cut in Seattle.

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

Winning the men’s Boat Race in 2021. It was such a team effort from both the whole squad and the unit that ended up racing. We had perfect execution, commitment, and cohesion from the moment we got our hands on the boat 4 weeks out from the race to the last stroke of the race.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

My post-race interview. I was totally not ready for it and just blabbered some nonsense. Also being thrown into cold water and my crew jumping in with me before everyone, being freezing, quickly got out.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“You may not look like a winning team, but you are one, so play like one tonight.” Billy Beane in Moneyball.

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

I am willing to commit more to anything and push the boundary of what is possible from myself.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

Moneyball. Shows that a collective can win without the need for individuals.

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

The ultimate team sport.

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

Overcoming not being favourite in the race last year and defeating the odds.

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

Calm head, ice in the veins, clear judgement, determination.

What do your friends think of your athletic success?

They often are so surprised how much I go to training.

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

It’s OK to miss some things. I get to do the Boat Race which is way cooler.

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

Yes. We have the program, athletes and coaches to deliver an exceptional crew that will deliver on race day.

Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?

I have recently taken up marathon running. I ran a 3:13:44 marathon at the end of pre-season. The rowers have treated me slightly differently since I did that.

Tell us one surprising thing about yourself

My grandma was Chinese-Jamaican.