Olivia Morgan is currently in her second year at Reading University, having joined their prestigious rowing programme following a successful junior career. We caught up with her to discuss transitioning from rowing as a junior to university rowing, her highlights of rowing so far and coping with lockdown training.
How did you get into rowing, and when did you start competing at a higher level?
I joined Cambridge 99s when I was 12 to try something new after trying nearly every other sport and not being any good at any of them. I really loved it and stuck with it, then started to compete at a higher level when I was J16 at races like JIRR and GB v France.
What did a typical training week look like as a junior, and what’s your schedule now?
As a junior, I would train about six times a week, going on the water at the weekends and mixing gym sessions with erg sessions during the week. At sixth-form and (pre-lockdown) university we train twice most days, with a day off on Sundays. The schedule includes a couple of early morning water sessions, three weights sessions, a few ergs, and some pieces too. Lockdown training looks very different though – I’ve been spending a lot more time on the bike!
What motivates you to stick with training?
I enjoy training and love rowing and competing, so for me, that’s a big motivation in itself. I also love being able to train with a big squad at Reading, which definitely motivates me. It’s been a lot harder to find the same drive during lockdown, but just focusing on the thought of hopefully racing again soon helps.
What are the highlights of your rowing career so far?
My favourite race was definitely winning the Aspirational Doubles with Lauren Henry at Henley Women’s in 2019 – I always love racing at Henley. Racing at the Junior World Championships in Tokyo was also amazing; it was such an incredible place – though I wasn’t a fan of the flying fish on the course!
Any tips for balancing rowing with uni/school work?
I find that training gives me a structure to my weeks, and forces me to be more organised than I probably would be otherwise. I find it helps to start uni work and school work as soon as possible to stay on top of it.
How have you found the transition from junior rowing to university level rowing?
Rowing at university was definitely a step up from junior training. Still, I found it very manageable as I have fewer contact hours at university than I did lessons in a day at school.
How have you managed training through the pandemic?
There’s been a lot more cross-training! I found that this has helped a lot with motivation and I’ve enjoyed having varied training rather than just being on the erg, but so many times I’ve found it so hard to have any incentive to train alone and it has been a little bit boring. I can’t wait to be back training with everyone again soon!
What is your favourite thing about rowing?
My favourite thing about rowing is when the water is flat and warm, and I get to row in a nice crew boat. My best story has to be when a flying fish landed in our boat in Japan, and both of us were too scared to get it out – that still scars me! I wouldn’t say I have a favourite session, but I love anything which includes lots of tech, and I’m not a fan of 30’ at r20.
What are your goals going forward?
I’m just looking forward to being able to race and trial again and see where I am when all of that starts up again!
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