Oliver Parish

Nationality

GBR/CAN

Height

1.86m

School/High School

St. Paul’s School

Club

CUBC

Undergraduate/Graduate

Undergraduate

Undergraduate course

Engineering MEng

What is your Cambridge College?

Peterhouse

Why are you studying your course?

I’ve always been interested in engineering, especially machine learning and information processing and Cambridge is probably the best place in the world to study these things.

Year you first started rowing?

2014

First rowing club?

St. Paul’s School Boat Club

Why/How did you get into rowing?

Since I was born, rowing has always been a part of my life. My parents met in a boat and are both still heavily involved in the sport, so it was natural to try it.

Name of first rowing coach?

Douglas Perrin

Who is your rowing idol?

Matthew Parish

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

I started rowing at St Paul’s and went on to win Henley and junior worlds when there. Then came to Cambridge and rowed in Goldie for the cancelled race and the Blue Boat for the last two years. Winning the Boat Race at Ely 2021 was definitely a big highlight of my rowing career so far.

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

Time management is very important. For me, setting time to properly unwind and recover is very useful.

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

Rowing in the 2000 Sydney GB eight would have been pretty amazing. They put together a great race and beat the favourites on their home water. An amazing crew.

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

I was in Goldie for the cancelled race, and the Blue Boat winning at Ely and losing on the Tideway the following year.

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

A few of the Oxford 3rd 8 guys were also at St. Paul’s, we’re still friends, see each other at Henley etc.

Your favourite race so far?

Probably the Boat Race at Ely 2021, to win as underdogs on home water is something I won’t forget for a long time.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

Sarnen last year was probably the best spot I’ve rowed. Beautiful views and beautiful water. Otherwise, Ely on a nice day can be amazing too, long rows with no need to stop and spin with some of the flattest water there is.

Where would be your dream place to row?

Sarnen has got to be the best place in the world to row.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

Capsizing at GB junior trials in the pair. Not our day...

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

Winning the Boat Race, Henley and winning junior worlds are my biggest achievements in the sport and all them represent quite different challenges.

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

I’m strongly motivated by competition and love racing. It’s also a great way to make lifelong friends, don’t know what I’d do without it.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“Will it make the boat go faster?”

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

Just like kayaking.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

Moneyball. 2021 race week movie.

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

It helps me channel my competitiveness into something productive. I hope to be a good influence on new rowers in the sport. Also helps with staying fit.

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

Rowing, like everything, is full of ups and downs. As with every sport, the wins are made sweeter and losses more bitter by being part of such a tight-knit team.

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

I’m a leader within the group, and hope to inspire the newer rowers.

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

Sacrifices are important to reach the highest levels of anything in life. Close friends understand that and support it.