A London student has a unique perspective on the Aberdeen Boat Race – Scotland’s equivalent of the Oxford-Cambridge boat race – having studied at both institutions that will take to the water.
Charlotte Riley (25) from Bromley will join the eight-strong crew that will represent Robert Gordon University (RGU) against the University of Aberdeen in the Aberdeen Boat Race, sponsored by Aberdeen Standard Investments, on March 17.
But Charlotte is in an unusual position in the crew – having also been a former student at the University of Aberdeen. After completing her degree in psychology at the historic university, she switched institutions and is currently undertaking a two-year master’s degree in social work at RGU.
She says, “There’s quite a big rivalry between the two universities, especially in sport. When I was at the University of Aberdeen, I never imagined that I'd attend both universities – both have great strengths in different academic areas.”
For Charlotte, who only took to the water for the first time a little under two years ago, rowing is a recent hobby but one that has quickly taken over her free time. She explains, “About a year and a half ago, a friend invited me along to a novice night at Aberdeen Boat Club (ABC) and I instantly fell in love with rowing. Even though my friend no longer rows with me, I’m out training every weekend.
“I’m quite a competitive person and really like team sports. The camaraderie in a rowing crew is like nothing else, and it keeps me coming back for more.”
Fitting in training with Robert Gordon University Boat Club alongside her commitments with ABC – which along with rowing include being the club’s social manager – leaves little time for any other hobbies.
Charlotte says, “I don’t really have any other hobbies outside of my master’s degree, so I’m pretty much living and breathing rowing right now. Between my regular training and the training for the boat race, I’m definitely getting a good workout. I’m out on the water every weekend, and I’m doing land training through the week – it’s pretty intense.”
And her hard work and dedication has paid off. After less than a year under her belt, Charlotte was named the Most Improved Oarswomen by ABC. It was, says Charlotte, a complete surprise.
She continues, “I really wasn’t expecting to win the award at all. It’s given to the person who has shown the most drive and determination throughout the year, and is nominated by the captain, so it’s really nice to see my efforts recognised.
“I’ve been practising almost every weekend for the last year and a half and went through a sculling proficiency award last summer. Sculling is an incredibly different style of rowing, as you’re on your own.
“With sculling you need to be really self-motivated. And while I think I am motivated – and certainly competitive – I think there is something extra special about rowing with a bigger crew.
“You can’t give up on yourself, as you’d be giving up on your crewmates as well. And I’m not going to let that happen.”
The Aberdeen Boat Race, sponsored by Aberdeen Standard Investments, takes place on March 17 along a 3.5km stretch of the River Dee, from the Bridge of Dee to Aberdeen Boat Club. The race day programme includes the university second crews race at 12.05pm, the alumni race at 12.25pm, the media challenge race at 1.10pm and the title Aberdeen Boat Race at 1.30pm.
For all the latest updates on the crews and their training, follow the Aberdeen Boat Race on Twitter @2018boatrace, Instagram @abdnboatrace and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/abdnboatrace.