University graduate Rebecca Crowther will join accountants Horwath Clark Whitehill as a trainee in the Midlands in September – but before then she will be undertaking the biggest challenge of her life.
Rebecca is a leading amateur oarswoman currently under training in the crew of the UK Ladies Universities Rowing Quad in preparation for the European Universities Championship Regatta in Croatia starting on August 28.
When 22-year-old Rebecca joins Horwath Clark Whitehill in the autumn she will continue her sporting career by re-joining Worcester Rowing Club where she hopes to play a leading role in the revival of women’s rowing there at national level.
A Worcester girl, educated in Kidderminster, Rebecca said: “I only started rowing when I went to university and loved it so much I decided to take it seriously.
“You have to be dedicated and give up much of your social life to achieve success at national level in rowing, which is the ultimate team sport.
“We train four or five days a week, have bonded as a crew and developed a sense of responsibility towards one another – that means always being there for training.”
Horwath Clark Whitehill staff partner Dave Darlaston said: “Our firm prides itself on being made up of strong individuals who perform well as a team.
“Rebecca’s self-discipline will serve her well in her professional career, as well as in her sporting endeavours.”
Rebecca, who is taking a degree in accounting and financial management at Loughborough, added: “I am looking forward tremendously to starting work with such a well respected firm but of course during the next few weeks I have another set of priorities.”
At five feet seven inches tall Rebecca is the right stature for rowing at the top level but says she has to watch her weight constantly – so fitness and the right kind of exercise is of paramount importance.
“We alternate between the gymnasium and being on the water but after Easter we spend as much time as we can in the boat training at Nottingham on the international course.”
If Rebecca’s crew qualifies for the championships in Croatia then its fitness level will be one of the deciding factors.
The event is run over three days and there will be several heats on the two-kilometre course before the finals.
She added: “When you reach the highest levels in athletic sports like rowing you have to be in condition to meet every potential challenge in a physical and mental sense.”
Picture: Rebecca takes to the water with HCW partner Dave Darlaston.