Claire Aitken

Nationality

GBR

Height

1.74m

School/High School

The Community School of Auchterarder

Club

OUWBC

Undergraduate/Graduate

Graduate

Previous University

University of Glasgow

Undergraduate course

BSc Physiology

Graduate course

DPhil Cardiovascular Science

What is your Oxford College?

Oriel

Why are you studying your course?

I’ve always been completely fascinated by the complex inner workings of the human body, and I have a particular interest in the heart and vascular system, so studying a DPhil in cardiovascular science made perfect sense for me. Being able to carry out research satisfies my natural curiosity, and it’s really rewarding to work in the medical field because of the clinical impact of this type of research.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

I really enjoy the day-to-day lab work and the technical aspect of learning new techniques, but my favourite part of my DPhil is getting a new result, because it’s exciting to find out something previously undiscovered, knowing that it might add to our current scientific knowledge.

Year you first started rowing?

2012

First rowing club?

University of Glasgow

Why/How did you get into rowing?

I knew I wanted to try a new sport when I went to university, although I wasn’t sure which one to choose. I joined some friends on a rowing taster session and got totally hooked. I loved the teamwork and grit shown by all of the incredible athletes on the team, and it inspired me to keep going back.

Name of first rowing coach?

Calum McBurney/Cormac McMurray/ Allie Macfarlane

Who is your rowing idol?

Helen Glover

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

It’s tough to maintain a good balance between academic life and rowing, but you do get very efficient at managing your time and making the most of the free time that you do have. I think rowing also helps you switch off from work, and having another thing to focus on aside from your studies can make you feel more productive.

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

I learned to row at the beginning of my undergraduate degree in 2012, at the University of Glasgow. My biggest achievement has been winning gold in the championship W2- at BUCS regatta.

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

Yes, Osiris, 2022.

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

No

Your favourite race so far?

BUCS Regatta WC2- final in 2015.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

Lake Iseo in Italy, on training camp with the University of Glasgow.

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

The drive and commitment of each of my very inspiring teammates, and the reward of being able to see my progress as an athlete week-on-week.

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

I think sport teaches you a lot about yourself, and the self-belief that I have developed through rowing is one of the biggest achievements I have gained.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

Flipping an eight when trying to land the boat in my novice year. I clung on for dear life before flopping out the side of the boat and into the river, and we never lived it down.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“The will to win is not nearly so important as the will to prepare to win.”

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

Rowing is just something I am incredibly passionate about, and I have made lifelong friends through it, and many people will have similar experiences through other sports or activities.

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

I think I am very determined, focused and goal-orientated, which are highly applicable traits to sport and ones which are probably shared by all of my teammates.

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’m not sure they always understand why I would want to spend so much of my life rowing, but they are supportive nonetheless. It’s sometimes hard to miss out on plans with friends because of training, but I think that you just have to make the most of the time that you do get to spend together.

Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?

I love to cook, and particularly to bake, which is ideal for creating post-rowing snacks.