“The deteriorating state of UK rivers is a significant concern for rowers.” Cam Nyland, GB Rower
“The deteriorating state of UK rivers is a significant concern for rowers.” Cam Nyland, GB Rower
The deteriorating state of UK rivers is a significant concern for rowers, who face health risks from infections and potential boat damage due to litter. We spoke to rising star GB rower about her sporting journey to date & the poor state of UK rovers.
- When did you know that rowing was your sport?
I started rowing at 12, but a serious back injury at 15 confirmed my commitment, making me realize I’d sacrifice everything for it. - What was your first club, and how did they support you?
Warrington Rowing Club encouraged my development, giving me training opportunities with older, faster teammates and eventually assigning a dedicated coach to pursue my GB goals. - Was there any significant influence that guided you?
Training alongside driven, skilled teammates inspired me. I wanted the same success and pushed myself to match or even exceed their achievements. - What is life like as a rower for The Leander Club?
Leander life is intense: full-time training with 2-3 sessions daily, balancing part-time work around rowing. It’s all-consuming but deeply rewarding. - When did Olympic ambitions start?
Seeing Leander teammates I trained with achieve Olympic success fuelled my Olympic dreams, showing me the potential to reach the highest level. - What is your daily routine?
I wake up by 6am, train three times a day with meals and rest between sessions, then fit in work. Bedtime is 9pm. - Did you feel that you missed out on your social life?
Sacrifices are inevitable, but Leander’s team culture means we connect differently; sharing dinners, coffee, and downtime in place of late-night partying. - What is your routine as a professional rower?
I wake early, eat, stretch, and prepare for the day’s sessions. Coffee after morning training is a simple, cherished wintertime treat.
I aim for 3,000–4,000 calories daily, I focus on carbs, protein, and high-calorie snacks to support intense training and energy demands. - Rowing has always been seen as a sport for the elite; what was your experience coming from your background?
Northern clubs lack exposure, so I travelled to southern competitions to improve, gain recognition, and compete with the sport’s top athletes - Is river pollution a problem? The deteriorating state of UK rivers is a significant concern for rowers, who face health risks from infections and potential boat damage due to litter. Alarmingly, in my youth I once discovered a body in the water!! I am determined to help build awareness of this terrible pollution of our waterways.