2 mins
Gabrielle Smith
Nationality
CAN
Height
179cm
School/high school/secondary school
Unionville High School
Club
OUWBC
Undergraduate/graduate
Graduate
Previous university
McGill
Undergraduate course
BSc Biology
Graduate course
MSc Water Science, Policy and Management
Oxford college
Regent’s Park
Why are you studying your course?
I have previously worked for a company specializing in wastewater and industrial effluent treatment via bioaugmentation and bubble curtains. I am also an Olympic rower, so water is important to me.
What is the most interesting part of your course?
I have a strong background in water science, but the policy side is new to me. I would like to explore how we can use science to shape and inform policy to create an actual impact on the environment.
How do you balance rowing and academic life?
A lot of time management and prioritization of what is most important in each individual moment.
Year you first started rowing
2012
Why/how did you get into rowing?
From my summer lifeguarding job.
First rowing club
Aviron Knowlton
Name of first rowing coach
Gavin McKay
Who is your rowing idol?
Emma Twigg
Who would be your dream team eight to row with from everyone in the history of rowing?
This Blue Boat.
What is your rowing history, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?
2019 world cup II W2x 9th: world cup III W2x 3rd; world championships W2x 4th; 2018 world cup III W2x 2nd; world championships W2x 6th; 2016 world U23 championships BW2x 11th; 2015 world U23 championships BW4x 5th. Competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was my biggest achievement so far. 2020 Olympic Games W2x 6th.
Your favourite race so far?
Lucerne, Switzerland
What is the best place you have ever rowed?
Lac Brome, Quebec
Obviously, there are long hours and hard work, what inspires you to keep rowing?
My past successes and wanting to achieve more in the future.
What do you feel is your greatest achievement through rowing, be it accolades or something more personal?
All the places I’ve been able to travel across the world.
Where would be your dream place to row?
Paris 2024
What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?
Too many to count.
What is your favourite sports quote?
Go big or go home.
How would you describe the sport to a non-rower?
Going fast backwards.
What is your favourite movie about sports?
Space Jam
How does being an athlete make you a better person?
Helps you to be resilient and work harder than you thought you could.
Why do you think someone outside of the sport can relate to your career as an athlete?
Because it’s all comes from hard work.
What are your strengths, as a person and as an athlete?
I’m quite strong and determined.
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 think they’re impressed but horrified by my schedule.
Do you think you can win the Boat Race? Why?
Yes. Our team has lots of depth.
Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?
Plants, music.
Tell us one surprising thing about yourself.
My party trick is that I can do the splits.