Student doctors set their sights on royal regatta
Student Doctors Oliver Wisbey and Jack Lockett are training intensely ahead of the upcoming Henley Royal Regatta, where they hope to represent the University of Liverpool in the world-renowned race along the River Thames.
Held annually since 1839, the Henley Royal Regatta is considered the climax of the rowing season with both international and domestic crews competing for up to 32 spaces, depending on the category.
To qualify, crews are either pre-selected as a result of their performances at proceeding regattas or through a time-trial down the Henley course on the Friday before racing commences. The University of Liverpool has not succeeded in qualifying since 2016 but Oliver and friends are hoping this will be our year.
Oliver and Jack row for the University of Liverpool's Boat Club, along with fellow student doctors Bekah Hagan and Rob Harris, and have gained numerous benefits to their mental, as well as their physical, wellbeing from being part of the team.
Student Doctors Jack Lockett and Oliver Wisbey
Year Two Student Oliver Wisbey says, "I got into rowing at my local club while I was at school to stay fit, but it has become so much more important to me at university, with having the privilege of representing the University at a domestic level. This has included numerous successes, including earning a BUCS (British Universities & Colleges Sport medal last season and this season being a member of the highest placing Liverpool eight at the Head of the River Race in almost 30 years.
Even more important however is how beneficial rowing has been for my wellbeing. It gives me an escape from work, giving my brain time away from medicine and helping me to destress.
Combining training and studying can have its challenges, however these can be overcome with careful planning, commitment and communication with our Head Coach. I’ve managed to successfully combine rowing with medicine, whilst also having time for other things.”
Student Doctor Jack Lockett, also in Year Two, has been rowing since the age of 14. “I have raced at Henley twice whilst at school which was an incredible experience but tough to balance with A level work.
Rowing is a great way to meet people and have something completely separate from medicine.
It's a great mental break from work, which has been really valuable this year.”
University of Liverpool Senior Mens 8
Bekah Hagan is in her final year of studies on and says being part of the rowing club at Liverpool has been a massive part of her university experience.
“Although it can be testing at times, being in fifth year and having to juggle the demands of placement, exams and high-volume training, being surrounded by such a close-knit squad who are motivated to push and support each other is a great feeling and provides a much-needed release from the all-consuming medicine world.
Rowing has helped my wellbeing and time-management skills enormously and has given me memories and friendships that I will keep for a very long time.
Particularly this season, winning a BUCS medal and the challenge academic pennant at women’s eights head of the river - being the highest ranking ever Liverpool University women’s eight to do so.
Here’s to hoping I will be able to continue the balance between sport, medicine and wellbeing as an F1!”
Rob Harris is in his first year of the MBChB and only began rowing since starting at Liverpool.
I got into rowing after deciding that I wanted to try something new at university.
"I started as a complete beginner in October and a few months in now, I have very much enjoyed improving my physical fitness as well as seeing the positive impact on my mental health too. Although there is a lot of training, I do really enjoy the balance that I can strike between studying medicine and our intense preparation for rowing races.”
The University provides countless ways for students to keep fit, train, and simply try something new via its Sport Liverpool campus facilities and sports clubs of all different shapes and sizes. If being active is one of the ways to wellbeing, you’ve got the broadest range of options available to you here at Liverpool.
Good luck to Oliver, Jack and the rest of the team at the Henry Royal Regatta later on this summer. We’ll be rooting for you!
Discover more
- Follow the University of Liverpool Boat Club on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
- Check out what other student doctors get out of their sports clubs in Sports Spotlights One and Two.
- Head over to the Sport Liverpool site to see the many ways it can support your physical and mental wellbeing at university.