Nicole van Wyk (RSA)

With aspirations to go all of the way to the top in rowing, while still keeping up with her university studies, Nicole van Wyk is World Rowing’s university rower in focus.  

World Rowing: How did you get involved in rowing?
Nicole van Wyk: When I was 11 years old I watched my brother attend a local rowing camp called the Wemmerpan Winter Clinic. I turned to my parents and begged them to let me attend the camp as well. After a lot of contemplating they eventually allowed me attend the camp.

WR: Where and what are you studying?
NW: Bachelors of Commerce in Human Resources Management at the University of Pretoria.

WR: Did rowing influence your choice of university to attend?
NW: Our national squad is at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria (an extension of the University of Pretoria). I was quite keen to join the national senior squad as I had just finished with the South African junior squad. I jumped at the opportunity when invited to train with the senior national squad. This led me to move from the University of Cape Town to Pretoria.

WR: What are the big focuses in a year?
NW: The lightweight women’s single at the World Student Games. It was my first time in this boat class overseas so I learnt a lot. Now I am focusing on the University Boat Race in September. I re-join the national squad in October and train towards qualifying for the under-23 lightweight women’s single in 2016.

WR: What is your favourite event to row / race?
NW: The lightweight women’s double.

WR: What goes through your head as you line up for a race?
NW: I say to myself, “’strike fear into the hearts of those who look upon you.’ This allows me to gain some confidence on the blocks and gets me motivated to put it all on the line. I always take a moment to appreciate the fact that I am able to represent my country.

WR: How do find balancing rowing and studying?
NW: I find it quite tough as the programme I follow is aimed at athletes who focus on rowing full time and it can be tough finding time to fit my studies into the programme. However, I do make sure that I find time to do my studies to the best of my ability.

WR: You’ve raced a few times for South Africa, what was your proudest moment?
NW: In 2013 when I received my national blazer for the first time. I had worked for that blazer for many years. It was in that moment that I proved to myself that I was able to achieve anything I set my mind to. Champions are created over years, not days. That was a lesson I learnt the hard way.

WR: What are your long term aspirations?
NW: To make the South African lightweight women’s double for the 2020 Olympics. It is a goal I work towards every day.

WR: What are your immediate rowing goals?
NW: Qualify for the World Rowing Under 23 Championships next year and pass my year at university. I will have to achieve good times at the trials in October so I can make the national camp in November, as well as, keep up to date with my studies.

WR: Do you have any other hobbies?
NW: I don’t have time for many hobbies, but I do enjoy baking. I use it as a way to switch off from all the daily stresses and have delicious treats at the end of it!

WR: To whom do you look for inspiration?
NW: Our national senior rowers are my inspiration.  I see these men and women put their bodies on the line every day to achieve the results they want. They inspire me on a daily basis and show me what needs to be done in order to be the best in the world.