Sports & Societies OT: If you could create one new sports team or society within the medical school, what would it be, and why? BJ: For banter purposes I once tried out UCL Lacrosse. I ended up having a great time in both the mixed teams and the women’s team. I think a RUMS equivalent would smash it.
OT: Did you/do you have any role models within the RUMS Sport community? BJ: Libi Hawkes was my novice captain; she seemed to know everything about rowing, her enthusiasm was infectious and the whole boat loved her. As a novice, you don’t have much contact with the senior teams so it’s important that your boat’s captain takes you under their wing and sets a good example, and Libi certainly went above and beyond her remit.
OT: Talk me through your pre- and post-race rituals.
OT: What do you think about other RUMS sports teams? BJ: I love all the other sports teams! Rowing traditionally has beef with Squash (our natural-born enemies) because of the upstairs bit in the Huntley but it’s just light-hearted. Or is it?
OT: What is your favourite nugget from the RUMS Rumour Mill? BJ: Adam Jones gives private Star Wars lectures to St George’s Women’s boat club members.You heard it here first. I’ve also heard [current Sports & Societies VP] James Shuttleworth is running an Iron Man soon. He’s so muscly so I want to see him trimmed down a bit. Seriously though, I love James.
be part of an amazing group of friends which I don’t think I’d have without RUMS. It gives you opportunities that you wouldn’t otherwise dream of, like massively fun weekends away – most people never get those chances. RUMS, and, in particular RUMS Sport, generates such a huge spirit of community and Sports Ball is a testament to that.
OT: Would you have done anything differently? BJ: My big regret is not trying hard enough to break into the first boat at the start of third year. I had planned to start training at the beginning of summer. Instead I made wine my best friend and didn’t go to the gym in pre-season. Even if I had trained properly, I might not have got in, but now it’s just a great unknown for me. I’ll never know if I was good enough.
OT: How has RUMS changed you? BJ: I feel like I’ve found my place (I know that sounds cringey but it’s true). I’ve managed to
If you are a former RUMS FOTY with a story to tell, get in contact! Email oliver.totham.12@ ucl.ac.uk.
BJ: Pre-race: coffee, and a good healthy mix of paracetamol or ibuprofen depending on the race length. Get psyched with a pep talk from Georgie Lloyd. Keep my limbs moving. Post-race: just die. Find more coffee. Collectively pat ourselves on the back. Kit to fit when appropriate. Source alcohol.
OT: What has been your favourite RUMS fancy dress theme or costume?
OT: Any aspirations to become a captain, president or RUMS Vice President? BJ: I ran for novice captain this year but unfortunately I wasn’t elected. I was a little disappointed but c’est la vie; I know the girl who was elected will do a brilliant job and I reckon I’ll run again. Next year, I would like to help out coaching the Men’s novices. I don’t particularly see myself as Vice President or presidential material!
“I didn’t choose the slug life; the slug life chose me”.
There have been so many! The slug as a costume stands out of course. RUMSBC’s Harry Potter pub crawl remains my favourite theme though – President Sam Jackson dressed as a phoenix (with a little help from his mum), leading a troupe of freshers dressed as house elves to the unofficial boat club “church”, Quinns. There were a lot of sparklers and wands on show that night.
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Vol.II No.III