About William:

What course are you studying and what level?

Undergraduate Philosophy

Why did you chose that course?

Philosophy presents the most opportunity for argument in its purest form, independent of fact gathering or reference to a given text. Cambridge philosophy in particular doubles down on this aspect and embraces the analytic tradition, which teaches that answers in philosophy come from breaking down larger ideas and examining their parts independently, often through formal logical or mathematical methods.

When, where and why did you start rowing? And what do you love about the sport?

I began rowing at Gonville and Caius Boat Club in my first year at Cambridge (Michaelmas 2022). Rowing presented a way to stay fit (something I had never managed to do before university) and to meet new people – it also helped at the start that the Caius coaches saw my potential and consistently encouraged me to keep showing up and to push for higher and higher crews (even when I didn’t think I could).

Rowing is a sport with few shortcuts and one simple path to improvement – keep showing up. Honing technique on the water and putting in the hours on the rowing machine isn’t easy but guarantees improvement, which can become addicting in those moments where you realise how far you’ve come. The feeling of finishing a session worn out but knowing you’re a tad better than when you started is something to cherish.

What was your first rowing club and coach?

Gonville and Caius Boat Club – Inigo Holman

What or who was the earliest sporting inspiration you remember as a child?

Eden Hazard – as a chelsea fan was amazed by his incredible growth at the club, the mesmerizing way he played the game and, by the end of his time there, how he carried the team back to the champions league.

How has rowing and being part of the Boat Race squad impacted your life?

Rowing provides a consistent outlet alongside everything else – no matter how chaotic the rest of my life is, I can rely on the morning 18k paddle to get my feet under me.

If you weren’t a rower, what sport do you think you’d excel at?

Fencing (Epee)

What is your favourite non-academic book?

The Sparrow – Mary Doria Russell

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