2 mins
James Forward
Nationality
GBR
Height
1.88m
School/High School
Nottingham High School
Club
OUBC
Undergraduate/Graduate
Undergraduate
Undergraduate course
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
What is your Oxford College?
Pembroke
Why are you studying your course?
I enjoyed all three components of the course when I was at school, so it seemed like the natural next step. I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far.
What is the most interesting part of your course?
I really enjoy the variation in my degree; one week I can be discussing whether we can know anything at all in Philosophy, then the next week I can be discussing the impact on the UK economy of recent policy changes.
Year you first started rowing?
2013
First rowing club?
Nottingham and Union Rowing Club
Why/How did you get into rowing?
I started rowing at the age of 12 at my local rowing club, as I was inspired by my Dad – he erged every night in the garage, and I thought it looked like an exciting challenge.
Name of first rowing coach?
Chris McManus
How do you balance rowing and academic life?
I feel rowing and academics complement each other well – it is quite full on, but I have got used to being busy. If anything, the sport makes me more efficient when I work.
What’s your rowing history, and what has been your biggest achievement so far?
I learned to row at Nottingham and Union RC, where I stayed until I came to Oxford. As a junior I represented GB at Coupe in 2019 where I won 2 bronze medals in the quad. I came to Oxford in September 2020, and rowed in the Boat Race in 2021. I then went on to become U23 European champion in the men’s eight that summer. Last year I won the reserve Boat Race and made it to the Saturday of Henley.
Have you raced in the Boat Race before? If yes, when?
Yes, in 2021.
Have you ever been at school/ university/on a team with anyone at ‘the other place’?
I did Coupe with Luca Ferraro.
Your favourite race so far?
Winning in Isis last year.
Obviously, it’s long hours and hard work – what inspires you to keep rowing?
It is great fun to be a part of such an outstanding team.
What do you feel is your greatest achievement through rowing, be it accolades or something more?
Becoming U23 European champion in 2021.