About Douwe :

What course are you studying and what level?

 
I am currently pursuing a one-year MPhil in Finance and Economics.

Why did you chose that course?

I chose this course because I want to deepen my understanding of how financial systems work and to apply this to studying the connections between macro policy, regulation, and financial stability. Having studied Economics at Harvard, I’m especially excited about learning from Cambridge’s faculty to further progress my economic intuition and understanding. 

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

I first started rowing in 2013 at St. Paul’s School. My elder brother was a member of our school 1st VIII, which inspired me to give rowing a crack as well. There so much I love about the sport, but above all else I love the camaraderie from competing and training as part of a team with a unifying goal. 

What was your first rowing club and coach?

My first rowing club was at St. Paul’s School Boat Club in London. The coaching team there included Dickie (Richard Twyman), Smithy (Anthony Smith), Donald Legget and of course Bobby Thatcher. I will always be deeply grateful to this incredible group of coaches and the St. Paul’s rowing program for creating such a fun rowing environment and shaping me into the athlete I am today.

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

The 2012 London Olympics were a defining moment in my childhood. I remember going to multiple different sporting events, including some of the athletics and volleyball. While at the time, I hadn’t started rowing yet and never envisioned myself competing at a high-level I definitely found the entire spectacle incredibly inspiring and it likely planted the seeds for my eventual journey into the sport.

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

Rowing has shaped so much of my life – from the life-long friendships and memories to even the university I studied at. It strongly influenced my decision to study for four years in the United States, a path I likely would not have considered without rowing. Being part of the Boat Race squad is an extraordinary privilege and it feels extra special to be returning to where my rowing journey began on the Tideway. 

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

I’m not sure if I would excel at any other sports, but I have always enjoyed endurance sports so perhaps if I lost a good 20kg I could become a half-decent cyclist. 

What is your favourite non-academic book?

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Dune series by Frank Herbert.