Parmigiani shortlist profiles: Sarah Rose Bishop (RSA)

Sarah Rose Bishop

Sarah Bishop approaches every task and challenge with immense determination that leaves her peers in awe. Bishop has had a significant impact on various facets of sport. She has successfully been able to redevelop the women’s division at the University of Cape Town Rowing Club (UCTRC), assisted in the rebirth of a junior rowing club, embarked on a development programme for under-privileged athletes, as well as having had a significant impact on student governance.

Bishop joined the University of Cape Town Rowing Club when she started at university in 2009. She was one of three women’s athletes in the club. By August 2009 Bishop had been elected the women’s captain for the following season with the mandate to revitalise women’s rowing at UCTRC.

By the second season Bishop had brought the numbers from three to 30 active women rowers. Bishop’s contribution to UCTRC was one of the main reasons UCTRC won the Club of the Year at the University Sports Awards. The club has now won the award three consecutive times.

At the University of Cape Town Bishop is the chairperson of the University’s Student Sports Union. Under her leadership she has galvanised all sports clubs across the university and help change the image of sport at the university.  Bishop is also vice-chairperson of the Student Representative Council and an elected member of the University Student Assembly.

As the Development and Transformation Officer on the University Sport South Africa Rowing Executive, Bishop has worked at transforming South African university rowing in terms of social redress for the past history of discrimination. This has seen a substantial increase in ‘persons of colour’ competing at university events.

Bishop has managed to balance her academic and sporting involvement and social life. She has obtained a bachelor of science in physiology and biochemistry and is currently studying towards a bachelor of science in occupational therapy. Throughout this Bishop has continued to row, training seven times a week during the season.

Bishop on…being shortlisted for the Parmigiani Spirit Award
“When receiving the news that I had been shortlisted for the award, I felt honored and humbled that my passion, dedication and commitment to the sport over the last nine years has been recognised at such a high level.”

What are you most looking forward to in this rowing and academic season?
“Our rowing season ended two weeks ago with my crew and I winning the prestigious Mutual and Federal Universities Boatrace which UCT last won in 2001. Next season we look forward to defending our titles at two out of our three major events and hope to make it a clean sweep. Looking to my academics with my third year becoming more practically based, I look forward to working more with the local communities and in the hospitals in my various practical blocks as it is something that I enjoy.”