Erin Reelick

Dual nationality

USA/NZ

Height

182cm

School/high school/secondary school

Brookfield High school

Club

OUWBC

Undergraduate/graduate

Graduate

Previous university

Princeton

Undergraduate course

Psychology

Graduate course

MBA

Oxford college

New College

Why are you studying your course?

To assist in my transition out of full-time rowing.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

The people.

Year you first started rowing

2009

First rowing club

Connecticut Boat Club

Why/how did you get into rowing?

Copied siblings.

Name of first rowing coach

Liz Trond

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

With terrible time management skills.

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

Started as a coxswain in NZ when I was tiny, moved back to USA, eventually joined US senior team. I started as a coxswain in NZ when I was tiny, moved back to USA, eventually joined US senior team. Finished third in the eight at the 2019 World Rowing Championships. Finished second in the eight at the 2019 World Rowing Cup II. Finished fifth in the pair and four at the 2019 World Rowing Cup I. Won gold in the four at the 2018 World Rowing Championships. Finished fourth in the pair at the 2018 World Rowing Cup III. Placed fourth in the four at the 2017 World Rowing Championships. Won silver in the four at the 2017 World Rowing Cup II. Won gold in the eight at the 2015 World Rowing Under 23 Championships. Won gold in the eight at the 2014 World Rowing Under 23 Championships. Won gold in the 4-at the 2014 World Rowing Under 23 Championships. Placed fourth in the quadruple sculls at the 2011 World Rowing Junior Championships.

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

No

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

No

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

Varese, Italy for U23s in 2014 -nicest weather, beautiful water (and we won two gold medals).

Your favourite race so far?

Head Of The Charles, Boston, MA. Best race in the world. Go Tigers.

Where would be your dream place to row?

Any new international destination – it’s exciting to travel and see new places.

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

The thought of winning the Boat Race and making sure there is no regret at the end of the day.

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

Meeting the coolest people -it’s been incredible to have the ability to meet people from all around the world, and even turning up in the UK, I’ve run into people randomly that I have met throughout my rowing career.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

Coming third at the world championships in 2019 in the women’s 8+ was embarrassing.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“The most significant message I can convey to the rowing athlete is: Just row the race. Think about the process. Don’t dwell on the result until it’s history.” -Larry Gluckman

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

Training with the national team was just like any other job where you are ridiculously overworked and physically exhausted all the time. Making it to the Olympics would have been just like getting a promotion in a job -a nice pay rise and an increase in ‘stature’.

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

It’s mainly a leg sport and can be bad for your back at times.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

I don’t like sports movies; does Squid Game count? It was shocking, and captivating, also emotionally compelling.

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

The obvious time management skills, the ability to work with a team, and the communication skills.

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

I don’t handle missing other experiences well. I felt like my 5-year time commitment with the national team was all the time I wanted to commit to rowing, but somehow, I’ve ended up here. Just can’t stay away. But it is safe to say, I am very excited to finally hang up the oars after this (in terms of serious training), and work to have some semblance of a normal life. My friends who know me well enough understand why leaving rowing behind is a good thing.

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

Yes. Because the group of women (and Joe) that I am racing with are incredible, talented and determined women.

Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?

I’m excited to run more after the Boat Race, as well as fully commit myself to a job search and school.