Isabelle Bastian

Nationality

USA

Height

1.78m

School/High School

The Winsor School

Club

CUBC

Undergraduate/Graduate

Graduate

Previous University

Harvard University

Undergraduate course

Social Studies

Graduate course

Health, Medicine and Society

What is your Cambridge College?

Jesus College

Why are you studying your course?

I’ve been interested in going into medicine for a while, but before I go to medical school, I want to explore health care from a number of different directions. I’m specifically interested in better understanding how to provide effective care to patients with limited English proficiency.

Year you first started rowing?

2013

First rowing club ?

The Winsor School

Name of first rowing coach?

Lisa Stone

Who is your rowing idol?

Gevvie Stone. She attended the same high school that I did, so she would come talk to us sometimes and once we even did pieces with her. It was always really cool to get to meet someone after seeing their medals and photos up on the wall of the boathouse. She was one of the first rowers that I learned about and then got to watch and cheer for her from the Charles to the Olympics.

Why/How did you get into rowing?

Being from the Boston area, I watched the Head of the Charles Regatta most years and watched my uncle reunite with his teammates from the 1987 world championship gold medal crew to race. When I began school at The Winsor School in 9th grade, I decided to try rowing since my cousin had raced in HOCR the year before and because the coach seemed amazing.

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

By really trying to highlight what I value and what’s important to me and by using my time and energy on those things.

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

I would love to race with my Harvard- Radcliffe heavyweight rowing teammates from the 2019-2020 year. We had put in a lot of work and were so excited to see how we shaped up against our competition during the spring racing season before we were sent home from university two weeks before our first race. It was one of the most fun years of rowing to be a part of because of how much momentum we’d taken from the year before and built on.

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

I’m very proud of contributing to my team’s return to the NCAA championships in 2019. The older rowers on the team had worked hard to create a change in culture and set higher standards to build the program back after failing to qualify for some years. As a first year at university and on the team, I had a lot to learn, and I’m proud of my class for fully buying into the goals set by our returning teammates and working consistently throughout the year.

Your favourite race so far?

Head of the Charles because it is always so fun to race at home. In 2018, the race was especially special because it was my first race for Radcliffe Crew, and I had family and friends cheering for me from Weld Boathouse (my university boathouse).

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?

The Charles River between Boston and Cambridge, MA, USA is my home water and truly a spectacular place to row. It’s so special to see so many rowers of all ages and experiences sharing the water together. The other rowing shells and kayakers also keep your reflexes sharp.

Where would be your dream place to row?

I’d love to row at Henley.

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

I love the incredible teammates, and I love the nature of the sport of constantly pushing yourself to improve, no matter what level you are. It teaches you how tough you are and how to take constructive things from challenging or frustrating pieces and workouts.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

Costume regattas around Halloween were always creative affairs.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“Make it Happen.”

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

It would definitely take some time. After describing the basics to someone, I’d probably recommend they read The Boys in the Boat or go try it out if they have access.

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

I think learning how to support others through challenge while also pushing them to be the best they can has been a skill that I’ve learned a lot about and continue to work on. I think another lesson I’ve learned is how improvement and change can take a long time and steadfast commitment to something does pay off eventually – to not give up even if something isn’t achieved in a day or a week but to see each small improvement and seeing that over time they add up.

What is your favourite movie about sports?

No way could I choose just one. However, one of my favourite series about sports is Friday Night Lights.

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

In many ways. It teaches you how to work with others, how to manage balancing multiple pressures, and to know how to commit to the things you care about.

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

Anyone who has committed to something for a long time or in different environments can understand to some extent the challenges and joys of committing to a sport like rowing. Also, because my years of rowing were impacted by Covid, that is also relatable to the majority of people who had things they valued in their routines suddenly become impossible to do.

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

I am very even keeled and loyal. When I choose to do something, I try to commit to doing it well.

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 have wonderful, supportive friends, rowers and non-rowers alike. I love hearing about the activities they are passionate about and dedicate their time to and vice versa.