Seb Benzecry

Nationality

GBR

Height

1.89m

School/High School

St Paul’s School

Club

CUBC

Undergraduate/Graduate

Graduate

Previous University

Princeton University

Undergraduate course

English

Graduate course

Film and Screen Studies

What is your Cambridge College?

Jesus

Why are you studying your course?

I am passionate about the academic study of film, and eventually want to move into the industry.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

Delving into a bank of foreign film from the 20s through the 60s that gives insight into rapidly modernising cultures.

Year you first started rowing?

2011

First rowing club?

St Paul’s School

Why/How did you get into rowing?

I always wanted to try it, and an injury prevented me from continuing with rugby.

Name of first rowing coach?

Bobby Thatcher

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

I’ve been rowing seriously for almost 12 years. At St Paul’s, I was part of the winning 2015 Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup crew at Henley and won a bronze in the JM8+ at Junior Worlds in 2016. At Princeton, I won a bronze in the IRA National championships in the Varsity 4+ in 2019, and at CUBC I was part of the winning 2021 Blue Boat, and stroked Goldie in 2022.

Who is your rowing idol?

James Cracknell – the ultimate example of resilience, perseverance and dedication.

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

My academic life is now only independent research, so I can very easily fit rowing into my schedule.

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

The 2021 Cambridge Blue Boat. I miss that boat.

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

I rowed in the Blue Boat in 2021, and Goldie in 2022.

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

I was at Princeton with the current Oxford President. We were and are very good friends, but I’m excited by the opportunity to race him again on the Tideway.

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

I am continually inspired by my teammates. Being part of a rowing team, each year for the past 12 years has been such a privilege. I’ve met so many amazing people and made friends for life.

Your favourite race so far?

The 2021 Boat Race. Winning on home water as the underdogs after such a difficult year was truly a dream come true.

Where would be your dream place to row?

I would love to row in the San Francisco Bay. The conditions would probably be bad, but the views can’t be beaten.

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

I think my greatest achievement was making the Blue Boat in 2021. My grandpa was a Hockey Blue at Cambridge, and I just know that he would’ve been so proud to have seen me get my Blue, and go on to win the race.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

Capsizing several times at the lake in Peterborough on training camp as a J14.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“Just try your best and you might be OK.” – my Mum

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

Sometimes fun. Rarely though.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

Warrior. MMA movie with Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton.

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

I think a career in rowing is characterised by some simple things: hard work, focus, and commitment. One can find those values in so many pursuits in life.

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

I think I am pretty patient and willing to listen and learn. I continue to love the sport, and that keeps me motivated and willing to throw everything I have into it.

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

My non-rowing friends are always really nice and supportive. It’s definitely tough to miss out on social stuff with them, but I have such close friends at CUBC that I never really feel like I’m completely missing out on activities with friends.

Tell us one surprising thing about yourself

I’m a big pet guy. At home we have five cats and two dogs, though we once had seven cats all together.