Alexander Bebb

Nationality

CAN

Height

1.94m

School/High School

St. George’s School Vancouver

Club

OUBC

Undergraduate/Graduate

Graduate

Previous University

Cornell University

Undergraduate course

BSc in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Graduate course

DPhil in Engineering Science

What is your Oxford College?

St. Peter’s College

Why are you studying your course?

I discovered a passion for fluid mechanics and heat transfer. I was offered a position to research novel turbine technologies through the Oxford Thermofluids Institute and couldn’t turn it down.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

The experimental work. The full design, construction, and use of a test facility has been an incredible learning experience for me.

Year you first started rowing?

2011

First rowing club

St. George’s Boat Club

Why/How did you get into rowing?

My mum forced me into try-outs. My cousin was a cox with St. John’s College, Cambridge and mum figured it would be a good sport to give a go. I didn’t make the first cut, the coach citing a “lack of athletic potential”. Made the dev squad the following spring as it was my only option.

Name of first rowing coach?

Greg Szybka

Who is your rowing idol?

Tim Foster

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

Unrelenting organization and coffee. Investing 10 minutes at the end of each day to sort out the following pays dividends.

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

I’d have to say the 2008 Canadian men’s eight, although I don’t think I’d be able to choose one athlete to replace.

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

I started rowing in the spring of 2011 in the dev squad at my high school. Competed at CSSRA’s and won gold in the school’s 8+ in 2014. I was recruited to Cornell University where I competed in the 1V 8+ in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Raced at HRH in 2016 (Temple 8+) and 2017 (Visitors 4+). In 2018 I was selected for the Canadian BM8+ and placed 5th at the U23 World Championships in Poznan.

Have you raced in the Boat Race before? If yes, when?

Yes, 2021. The pandemic restrictions meant that the team was unable to train and socialize normally. It meant that we were, unfortunately, massively underprepared come race day.

Have you ever been at school/ university/on a team with anyone at ‘the other place’?

Thankfully not.

Your favourite race so far?

Penn fixture in 2017. The race went off beautifully and not only did we execute well, we swept the entire event.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

The Fraser River in Vancouver, the first place I rowed. 8km of wide, tidal river that sweeps around south of the city. The rough water and tides are similar to the Tideway. When it’s flat and the sun rises over the east of the city it’s absolutely stunning.

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

Having a highly motivated group around you makes the difference. A 90-minute Z2 session or a 5km test is much easier when you’re pulling it for the athletes to your left and right.

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

Rowing has opened far more doors than it’s ever closed. It’s given me the opportunity to attend my undergrad through recruitment, to represent my country, and to compete in such an incredibly historic race. More than the material, it’s proved an incredible teacher.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

Our “overtake” on the UVIC 2nd 8+ at Head of the Gorge Regatta. There’s a narrow tidal rapid all boats must navigate. We were gaining on the 8+ the whole race and caught up to them at the rapids. Their cox went through and graciously pulled over; however, that put them in the slow water and they immediately decelerated. We stuck to the middle and absolutely barrelled into their boat. It was extremely embarrassing at the time.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“I was really quite nervous during today... I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being nervous” – Matthew Pinsent in Gold Fever.

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

Physiological challenge after challenge but one of the most rewarding things you could do.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

Gold Fever. I’ve found it incredibly useful for my own performance to have an understanding that while these men are unbelievable athletes, they’re still human. It makes what we do each day and the goals we work towards at OUBC seem more reasonable and attainable.

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

Athletics teaches you to become a more motivated and more determined individual. One thing that may get overlooked is that it gives you an appreciation of the joy of being active. While 20 hours of training per week isn’t for everyone, a chance to be outside and exert yourself leaves you much happier.

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

I believe the athletic career is, fundamentally, no different than any other venture or career. All will have ups and downs, triumphs and celebrations.

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

I’d like to think I’m dependable and consistent in the face of adversity. I have a profound care of those on my team around me.

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’ve never been one to broadcast most of this far and wide. My housemates, however, who see me each day are still in shock at the amount of food required to feed me during the peak of the training cycle.

Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing? 

Skiing and road cycling. Sketching has also always been something I’ve enjoyed.