Sarah Marshall

Nationality

GBR

Height

1.77m

School/High School

The Perse School

Club

OUWBC

Undergraduate/Graduate

Undergraduate

Undergraduate course

BA History and Economics

What is your Oxford College?

Jesus College

Why are you studying your course?

History and economics are both interesting subjects and studying them is highly relevant to understanding today’s world.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

Having the opportunity to see how past actions and current frameworks shape the way we think about our world today.

Year you first started rowing?

2019

First rowing club?

Rob Roy BC

Why/How did you get into rowing?

One of my friends was rowing whilst we were at school together and she got me interested in it.

Name of first rowing coach?

Jo Burch

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

I learned to row at Rob Roy BC as a junior, competed at British junior championships in 2021, then rowed with Jesus College BC in my first year at Oxford. I raced at BUCS regatta, Met regatta and Henley qualifiers with OUWBC development squad in summer 2022. I also rowed in Cambridge town bumps with Rob Roy BC in 2021 and 2022. My biggest achievement was probably 2021 Brit junior champs as I didn’t have much experience, but I still managed to get in and compete.

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

Making the most of every minute of the day. Working when it’s time to work, rowing when it’s time to row and resting when it’s time to rest.

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’?

Brett Taylor (Cambridge men’s team) and I were both members of Rob Roy BC.

Your favourite race so far?

Bumps racing is always fun because it is so different to any other race and draws big support.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

Probably the river we rowed on in training camp – the water was so flat, and the sunsets were amazing.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

Chariots of Fire, because it places sport into the context of real life.

Obviously, it’s long hours and hard work – what inspires you to keep rowing?

My family – they are so supportive and encouraging.

Where would be your dream place to row?

I haven’t ever actually rowed on it, but I would love to row on the Caledonian Canal because the scenery is incredible.

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

My greatest achievement through rowing has probably been the perseverance gained through it. Being able to do something tough and to keep doing it.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

Capsizing on the river Cam in mid- December and taking hours to warm back up to a normal temperature.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“Do or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda

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

Everyone can relate to persevering towards a goal even when it’s tough.

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

Learning to see the bright side of situations. There is always a bright side, and generally your efforts will yield better results if you have a realistic positive mental attitude.

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

It just makes the times that you do spend together more valuable.

Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?

I really enjoy playing piano. I am also learning Chinese.