Rowing Profile: Harriet Keane
Name: Harriet Keane
Age: 21
Height: 1.80m
College: Merton
Subject studied: MChem Chemistry, 2006-10
Boat race (boat, year and seat): Osiris 2008 (4), Blue Boat 2009 (5)
When and where did you start rowing?
Merton College, Oxford, October 2006.
Why and how did you decide to row with OUWBC?
My college coach suggested that I take part in the Development Squad in my first year. I really enjoyed rowing with the club and so decided to trial the following September.
What did you enjoy most about it?
The most special thing for me is the friendships made through a winter of trialling. I love the sense of camaraderie and the bond that is formed between everyone in the squad.
What aspects did you find the hardest/most challenging?
To be honest getting out of bed before six o'clock on a wet January morning is never going to be much fun. However, having won two Boat Races I would definitely say the outcome was worth all the early mornings.
In a sentence name a highlight of your time with the club:
My highlight would definitely have to be winning my two Boat Races and Henley Women's Regatta medal. The feeling of achievement when so much work pays off is amazing and is great to have all your family and friends on the bank supporting you. The chance to row for Oxford is a huge privilege and something I will never forgot.
How did you cope with managing training with work and any other commitments?
I think the key to this was being very organised, working out exactly what I had to do and when I had to it. Although my tutors weren't keen at first when I proved that I could still do well in my studies they become more supportive. In my finals year I stopped rowing over the summer to allow me to focus on my degree.
Do you have any advice/handy tips for future OUWBC rowers?
Just to give 100% and try and enjoy the trialling process itself. When I started Development Squad I was probably one of the worst rowers but I worked hard all winter and found myself in Osiris come March.
