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FINAL THOUGHTS
Paddy Ryan
Women’s Chief Coach, Cambridge
We have a deep and talented squad this year. Unlike previous campaigns, we kept the number of squad athletes high in order to allow up-and-coming college rowers more time training in this elite environment. Our goal is to support a higher standard of athlete year-on-year and to facilitate the sharing of knowledge.
At the end of this academic year we will once again say goodbye to many of our top student athletes as they graduate from the University. Cambridge stalwart Gemma King is one such rower. During her time at the club she earnt a seat in seven consecutive Boat Race crews; competing in six races (2020 was cancelled) and winning five. It’s a remarkable record: one that Gemma looks likely to add to before she leaves.
None of our athletes learnt to row at Cambridge University Boat Club; they started their rowing journeys at other programmes whether at school, college, or local clubs. This year we have four different nationalities, a world champion, international under-23 and under-19 athletes, and representatives from almost all of the colleges. Language is the key to bringing everyone together. It underpins our coaching method and unlocks the CUBC way of rowing.
It is exciting to see this year’s team take shape and to watch their confidence grow. With training camp complete, we are ready to tackle the second half of the season. I cannot wait to see what our crews produce when they line up against the talented rowers at Oxford come Boat Race day.