Representing Magdalene at the Boat Race
As the daffodils sway gently along the banks of the River Thames, the crowds start to gather and a sense of anticipation fills the air, rowing enthusiasts and university rivals get ready to cheer on the squads at this year's Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
With just a few days left until the oars slice through the water, we catch up with Magdalene student, Lauren Britten (2019), President of the Women's Lightweight Crew, to ask a few questions about rowing and representing Cambridge at such an iconic event.
How do you feel to be President of the Lightweight squad at the Boat Races this year?
I’m just so so proud of the squad. It’s been such a pleasure and privilege getting more insight and involvement in the club all year, I’ve really enjoyed it. Being President has made me even more aware of how hard the amazing women around me are working, and I’m constantly grateful for them. The best part of rowing for me is the community, and this year has highlighted that more than ever.
Where did your passion for rowing start? Tell us a bit about your rowing history.
I started rowing as a fresher at MBC, coached by Susannah Cass (2006). When covid hit I missed it more than I expected, and during the second lockdown I was lucky enough to take an erg home and keep building my fitness. Susannah taught me how to scull that summer and I was then sure this was something I wanted to keep doing. I ran for Women’s Captain for Magdalene Boat Club (MBC) and had a great year with the boat club, enjoying two successful Bumps campaigns. During this year I also tried out for the Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC) Dev Squad and raced at BUCS British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) with them. Whilst at BUCS I started talking to the coaches about the possibility of trialling, which is something I hadn’t thought was an option during 4th year VetMed. Once the idea was in my head, I had to give it a shot.
As President and an experienced member of the squad, what insights or lessons do you bring to the team?
I believe the best thing about rowing is the team element. As part of One Club at CUBC, and within the lightweight squad, there is a wealth of experiences and perspectives which we can draw from. My approach has tried to focus on the importance of the team dynamic, and learning from every person, every opportunity. We’re also lucky to have a very experienced vice president (Maddy Jackson), who brings so much knowledge to the squad.
What would be your advice for students who are interested in rowing but don’t think it’s for them or don’t have any previous experience?
Rowing can be quite an exclusive sport outside of Cambridge, but the beauty of the college system is that it provides anyone and everyone with the opportunity to get in a boat. I first tried it because I thought ‘where else will I get the chance?’. MBC is a great club and allows you to row at any level, whether purely social or very competitively. Get in touch with the club captains, go along to the BBQ in freshers week, just give it a shot!
What are you studying at Magdalene and how do you balance your academic and rowing commitments?
I study Veterinary Medicine (5th year), which is already a very structured course. I almost find that the more rigid your timetable, the more it works with rowing, as you’re used to that way of living. Having a full schedule means I’ve got very good at prioritising and being efficient. I think rowing has made me a better student, and a better vet, as I’ve learnt skills that transfer across (like discipline and focus, not to mention team work and performing under pressure). I also think it’s really important to have a commitment/hobby completely separate from your academics; it improves my focus and makes me appreciate my subject in a whole new way.
How do you find time to fit everything in?
We start at 5am to train in Ely most mornings, which means we’re back by 9am and I’m ready for a day of lectures and practicals. Evening training isn’t until 5pm, so I’m free to focus on my course until then (bar the odd meeting or call). After evening training I pretty much have dinner and head to bed, sleep is a top priority! When exams are coming up I fit in some revision each evening, but this is where being efficient gets important. I’ve always preferred working for a shorter amount of time, but more intensely, and that works pretty well for me. I do my best not to work on the weekends (I find I can focus better during the week this way), and we’re usually in Ely from 6am-2pm. If there’s any boat club admin to catch up on I do it now, or just relax with my housemates and prepare for the week.
What else has rowing taught you, apart from simply how to row?
So many things! I think it’s probably the most educational experience I’ve had in my life (in a non-academic sense). Just to list a few: emotional-management, time-management, people-management, teamwork, discipline, focus, dealing with pressure, performing under pressure, trying new things. I could go on…
I think it’s also important to acknowledge how powerful it is for women to do a sport that focuses so little on appearance, and so much on strength and endurance.
What do you love most about being part of the rowing scene at Magdalene and the community at MBC?
I really enjoy that MBC is a complete mix of undergrads, postgrads, and students from a variety of courses and backgrounds. It’s such a welcoming environment and the perfect mix of fun and competitiveness. It’s noticeable that many people who row at MBC stay connected to the club for years afterwards, which is testament to how much fun it is and the community it creates. It’s an amazing way to experience Cambridge’s traditions and be part of something with a long history. Summer rowing in particular is just amazing, the cam is a beautiful place to row and nothing beats a morning outing in summer, followed by breakfast at a café with your crew. May Bumps is a crazy race, so insane but so much fun to race in, or watch, and boat club dinners at the end of each term are some of the best nights out.
Good luck to Lauren, Alice, Ben and Freddie at this year's Boat Races, we will be cheering you and the rest of the light blues squads on from Magdalene.
Watching this year's Boat Race
The Lightweight Boat Race
Friday 29 March
The Lightweight Boat Race is on Friday 29 March with the Women's race starting at 2:13pm (Lauren in the 7 seat and Alice stroking the spares 4+) and the Men's race starts at 3:13pm (Ben in seat 5 and Freddie in seat 6).
The Boat Races
Saturday 30 March
Magdalene Members are invited to join the Mallory Club and Friends of MBC to support the Oxford Cambridge Boat Races this year. MBC will be meeting at The Eight Bells pub by Putney Bridge at 13:30pm, before moving to the river to watch the races.