3 mins
Amelia Standing
Nationality
GBR
Height
180cm
School/high school/secondary school
The King’s School Chester
Club
OUWBC
Undergraduate/graduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate course
Engineering Science
Oxford college
St Anne’s
Why are you studying your course?
I’ve always been interested in how things work, as a kid I’d even take apart the McDonalds happy meal toys! I also enjoyed maths and physics, so engineering seemed like a natural choice.
What is the most interesting part of your course?
The usefulness of it. At the moment I am doing a project on the future of UK energy and it’s really exciting being able to see the real world need for the project.
Year you first started rowing
2013
First rowing club
The King’s School Chester
Why/how did you get into rowing?
It was offered at school. I have a scrap book from Summer 2012 where I wrote in detail how exciting the women’s pairs race was at the Olympics and how excited I was to be able to start rowing the year after.
Name of first rowing coach
Duncan Little
Who is your rowing idol?
Helen Glover
How do you balance rowing and academic life?
It’s hard but I try to compartmentalise by only thinking about rowing when rowing and work while working. However, that’s proving harder now I’m President.
Who would be your dream team eight to row with from everyone in the history of rowing?
The 2021 U23 GB women’s eight which I was selected for, but it was unfortunately unable to race due to Covid.
What is your rowing history, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?
Coupe 2017, 2 golds in the 4-and a silver in the 8; stroked the Blue Boat as a first year in 2019; Raced on the Friday at Henley in the women’s open 4-event (Town Cup) 2019; Won Fours Head in the 4+ 2020; 6 seat in the Blue Boat 2020; 4 seat in the Blue Boat 2021; bow of the winning GB 4-at U23s 2021.
Have you raced in the Boat Race before? If yes, when?
2019 -stroke, 2020 -6, 2021 -4.
Have you ever been at school/university/on a team with anyone at ‘the other place’?
The GB women’s U23 eight had Sarah Portsmouth and Charlie Marcus in it.
Your favourite race so far?
Spring trials last year. Me and my pairs partner (Isy Hawes) managed to row through three crews in the second half of the race after we found our stride.
What is the best place you have ever rowed?
Oxford
Where would be your dream place to row?
I’ve heard a lot of good things about Temple-sur-Lot.
What do you feel is your greatest achievement through rowing, be it accolades or something more personal?
This year I’m President which has only been made possible by the opportunities I’ve been given in the team to become a better leader. If someone had told the team in my first year, I’d be President in three years they’d have probably laughed but now (I hope) I’m able to do a good job of it.
What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?
Doing the warmup on the hard shoulder of an A road as our tyre blew out followed closely by walking into the river while putting a single in when I first learnt to row.
How would you describe the sport to a non-rower?
You’re sitting on a bit of carbon trying to propel yourself backwards with some sticks.
What is your favourite movie about sports?
Chalet Girl
Why do you think someone outside of the sport can relate to your career as an athlete?
No one’s sporting career is perfectly straight forward and mine is no exception which can be relatable.
What are your strengths, as a person and as an athlete?
I’d like to think I’m a good leader. Also, I have a lot of grit and determination which is balanced out by an ability to be empathetic.
What do your friends think of your athletic success? How do you handle missing out on activities with friends because of your athletic schedule?
They’re supportive and mostly have activities which also take up lots of their time.
Do you think you can win the Boat Race? Why?
We have a strong squad which has been improving year on year. It’s an exciting year to be part of OUWBC.
Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?
I’m pretty bad at crocheting, I can unicycle and occasionally I sleep.