Caians selected for CUWBC lightweight crews

  • 25 March 2019
  • 2 minutes

Three Caians have been selected to represent Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club at Henley this weekend, Saturday 30 March.

Medic Victoria Walker and NatSci undergraduate Catherine King, in seat 2 and 5 respectively, will race in light blue in the Women’s Lightweight Boat Race against Oxford. Joining them at Henley is Catherine Walker, a History and Politics student at Caius who will race the CUWBC lightweight spare pair on the same day.

This will be Victoria’s second appearance at the Henley Boat Races, following her selection for the victorious Cambridge squad in 2018. She is the third member of the Walker family to represent Cambridge and Caius in a Varsity Boat Race: her brother, Peter (2007), rowed in Goldie in 2014, while sister Emma (2010) competed in the Lightweight Women’s Boat Race in 2015. “I am really excited to line up against Oxford again this year in the Lightweight Women’s Boat Race, especially on the Henley stretch following last year’s win at a very cold Dorney Lake,” said Victoria. “It’s been great this year to train alongside both the lightweight men and openweight women in one light blue team and I’m so grateful for the support of Caius Boat Club backing me every stroke.”

The fourth-year medic is the recipient of a Bell-Wade Bursary, one of the financial grants funded by philanthropic support on offer at Caius. Thanks to the generosity of two of our alumni, this award was established to help students pursuing distinction in sport with the associated costs. Bequests such as these ensure students can excel in their chosen field without the burden of financial barriers.

All three of the rowers are looking forward to the races. Catherine King commented: “I feel honoured to have been selected to race in the Lightweight Women’s Boat Race. As a fresher, I have enjoyed training with a squad of determined and supportive individuals – it makes all of the 5am wake-ups worthwhile! I look forward to the challenge of racing Oxford in Henley-on-Thames.”

Also commenting, Catherine Walker said, “Having learnt to row upon arriving at Caius last year I wouldn’t be in a position to trial without the great support of the Boat Club and its members. It’s an honour to be part of a long tradition of lightweight women from Caius racing in light blue.”

The Lightweight Women’s Boat Race has been held at Henley since 1984. Cambridge are currently in the lead, boasting 19 wins to Oxford’s 16. Racing is scheduled to begin at 1pm.

 

 

(Photograph: Peter Minnig)

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