NO IMPORT Nicholas Bartlett Interview

Nicholas Bartlett began rowing in 2005 at the age of 14. An active sportsman, he chose rowing because it was different. While he still occasionally plays football, badminton and squash with friends, Nicholas has dedicated his free-time at Newcastle University to rowing, playing his part in helping the rowing club to some of their most successful results at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Regatta.

WR : Why do you row ?
NB: I wanted a sport to be involved in when I was younger and rowing seemed something different, fun and importantly was something outdoors. Now I row because I really enjoy it, I like learning to push myself, and I find it helps me to relax and focus on other parts of my life like my studies. It also provides a strong structure and routine to my days.

WR: What motivates you?
NB: I am a very competitive person and the bottom line is that I like winning races.

WR: When you have the chance to relax, what do you like to do?
NB: Sleep late! This is something that comes around so rarely it is a real treat when I get the opportunity. I also like playing football with friends and just chilling listening to music.

WR: What is your favourite food?
NB: Anything that comes off a BBQ.

WR: How do you balance rowing and studies?
NB: We are sent out a training program at the start of each week, so I know when and where I will be training every day. I make sure I know when my essay deadlines and exams are right at the start of term, so I can use my time effectively. I also copy my timetable into a diary for each week.

WR: How do you think rowing at university has impacted your overall experience?
NB: To an extent rowing has meant I don't quite have as much time to socialise as every other student. But the enjoyment of meeting new people each year, having friends on different courses, and competing at a high level makes university a much richer experience.

WR: Is sport generally popular at your university?
NB: Sport plays a major role at the university. Newcastle is regularly in the top ten BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) sports universities. Most people I know at university are in a sports team.

WR: What was your most difficult training session?
NB: One of the sessions on our program is 14 x 1500m. I came back from 18 months off with a broken arm, and did that session in January this year. It was probably the longest and hardest session I've done.

WR: Do you have a favourite session? What about least favourite?
NB: I really enjoy going out on my bike as part of cross training. Other than that I really enjoy matched eights paddling. My least favourite is long steady state paddles that can get quite dull and boring, especially in the cold of winter.

WR: What are your future plans in rowing?
NB: I am unsure about my future plans for rowing. I really enjoy being part of a club and the friends that you make, so I will definitely stay involved with the sport after university. I already have a coaching qualification so that is a definite possibility.

WR: You play an active role on the Young Persons Panel (which is formed through British Rowing to involve more young people in the sport) – how did you get involved with that?
NB: I saw an advert for the Young Persons Panel on Facebook via British Rowing and thought it would definitely be something I'd like to be involved with. It's a really useful way of gathering feedback from the 16-25 age group about what they like about rowing and how they would like to see the sport progress. We are currently working with the British Championships group to make the event more attractive to young people.