Can you share your initial thoughts and feelings leading up to the Varsity Regatta against Swansea University?

As a senior women’s captain my feelings leading up to varsity were primarily stress, especially regarding the sixteen-year undefeated streak the Cardiff Senior Women squad had over Swansea. As the only squad from either university to have never lost in the history of varsity, the pressure was on to not let my squad be the one to break that streak.

Rowing is both physically and mentally demanding. How did the team prepare themselves, both individually and collectively, for such a significant competition?

We had our training camp over Easter in which we had three sessions every day for a week, focusing on sharpening up our crews to ensure we were putting our best foot forward. That on top of our regular training of ergs, weights and water sessions throughout the year will have put us in the best position for varsity 2024.

Can you walk us through the atmosphere on the day of the regatta? What was the mood among the team members as you arrived at the venue and began your preparations?

The team was mostly positive. We were not sure how the other crews would do and were confident we would be the best hope for Cardiff to win one of the races. The girls were positive and pumped, avoiding the temptation to dwell on the size of the Swansea girls. Whilst I was by far the most panicked about what was at stake.

How are you feeling to be the only rowing team this year to win a race?

We were obviously sad to have lost varsity overall, but there is something slightly triumphant about being CURC’s most successful squad. The senior women: the pride of CURC! But then again, I am always going to want to see it that way as their captain.

Rowing is a team sport that relies heavily on camaraderie and support. How did the bond among teammates strengthen or evolve as a result of facing adversity together during the regatta?

There was certainly a newfound comradery just before the race. It felt as though the trust we had in one another had to be strong, and once we pulled through Swansea you could feel the bond strengthen as our trust is proven well placed. You know the girls in the boat are all doing their best to get you across that line first.

Looking ahead, what are the team’s aspirations and goals for the remainder of the season? How do you plan to bounce back from this defeat and refocus your efforts on achieving success in upcoming competitions?

Although CURC lost, the senior women’s eight remains undefeated and will make an appearance at the BUCs Regatta next week, in which I am hoping to do the best a Cardiff 8 has done in all of my years - which would be achieved by a C final or higher. Depending on how well we do at BUCS, we may also take the 8 to Henley Royal Trials and attempt to qualify for the Academic 8. However, it is looking more likely that our smaller boats, a quad and a four, will be the more successful crews given their success in the past.