Sara Helin

Nationality

GBR

Height

1.8m

School/High School

Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School

Club

OUWBC

Undergraduate/Graduate

Undergraduate

Undergraduate course

Engineering Science

What is your Oxford College?

St. Peter’s College

Why are you studying your course?

I love problem solving and enjoyed maths at school. The Oxford Engineering Science course is much more maths based than other engineering courses, which I liked.

What is the most interesting part of your course?

Definitely the applications. For example, my fourth-year project is looking at decarbonising shipping and it is exciting to think that it could contribute to our shift towards sustainability.

Year you first started rowing?

Year 9 sculling (2014), Year 10 sweeping (2015)

First rowing club?

Borlase Boat Club

Why/How did you get into rowing?

I remember watching some older kids racing at school and thinking it looked so fun. Something definitely sang to the competitive part of me, so I signed up with a friend.

Name of first rowing coach?

Matthew Tabor

How do you balance rowing and academic life?

I find myself more productive the busier I am. It does take a lot of discipline and organisation, including scheduled down time with friends to make it sustainable. I also like to get ahead of work where I can, which can mean starting over the holidays.

Who is your rowing idol?

Annie Anezakis – she is a hard worker and wicked fast.

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

It would have to have the Helen Glover and Heather Stanning pair.

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

I was very lucky to go to a state school with a rowing club. I did go through the junior rowing trialling circuit and grabbed an NSR medal before going to uni. In my first year I tried to find a new sport while dabbling in college rowing – this clearly did not work as here I am now. My biggest achievement has to be starting my role as President.

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

No, but I have raced Osiris twice.

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

Emily Farmer was a lightweight spare and rowed at my club a couple years below me.

Your favourite race so far?

Bumps, I have so far only been the bumper and not the bumped with two blades, so that could be why, but it is so much chaotic fun.

What is the best place you have ever rowed?

It was in a fishing boat, but my Grandad would take us rowing across a lake in Hamina (Finland) through the water lilies and I will always cherish those memories.

What is your favourite sports quote?

“Winners never quit and quitters never win.”

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

I could not do it without my teammates pushing me on and making the experience so much more enjoyable. For them, I can go through anything.

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

Becoming President.

What has been your most embarrassing/funny rowing moment?

Losing my single off the landing stage and needing a rescue mission from the coach.

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

It is very easy to row but it is very difficult to row well. A great water sport if you like Type 2 fun.

What is your favourite movie about sports? Why?

True Blue. It really shows the drama behind the scenes.

How does being an athlete make you a better person?

It helps you reach your potential, this specific case by sports, academics and social skills with your team.

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

In general, working hard and being rewarded for it – with other spanners in the works like illness and injury which are thrown into everyday life too.

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

I am very determined and headstrong as both an athlete and a person.

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 closest friends are very understanding and support me. I still have friends from school who come to my races. Naturally, some people have found it difficult and we have drifted apart.

Any hobbies, other interests outside rowing?

Reading and drama/acting.