Hi I’m Nathaniel, I'm a rower from Insch, currently studying at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, where I first learned to row. Two years ago I became part of the GB Performance Development Academy - which supports talented athletes with aims to raise them to GB senior level. I'm currently training 2-3 times daily at the Scottish rowing centre at Strathclyde Park in Glasgow.
I always grew up doing sports - but when I joined university, having never tried rowing before, I contacted the rowing team and they were very interested in talking me on to their beginner programme, since then I've continued to enjoy the sport.
Heriot Watt University Boat Club.
As Heriot Watt is a small boat club, in my first two years of rowing I struggled to achieve my full potential, but now being on the GB performance development squad I feel I am making rapid improvements and getting closer to reaching my goals.
This year I competed the GB U23 November trials, and aim to continue through the trialling process, with hopes to secure a place on the U23 GB Rowing team and compete at U23 World Rowing Championships or at the FISU regatta. Another goal of mine is to represent Scotland at the Home International Regatta this summer.
My training programme requires me to train twice daily 4 times per week, and 3 times daily twice a week. My usual day consists of a water session and an indoor rowing session on the erg or cross-training on the bike, with a weights session on triple session days. This high volume training programme does reduce my time for university work significantly, but I feel I have become a more time effective student because of my busy time schedule.
My resilience and determination to attack every session ensuring they are as valuable and consistent as possible. I also have developed good time management skills to ensure I fulfil all of my Sporting and Academic commitments.
There are probably at least 10 upcoming competitions planned for the rest of this academic year, but in particular I look forward to competing at BUCS Regatta, as well as Scottish Championships regatta. While hoping to compete at Henley Royal Regatta later in summer too.
As an athlete it can be common to get injured and ill, but I make sure to be sensible with recovery and listen to the advice of my coaches, whether that be altering a session because I am ill or doing a bike rather than an erg when I feel I am getting injured.
Cameron Buchan as an athlete training primarily individually similar to myself. I also find inspiration from various high performing crews and clubs in the UK.
Coming second in the OM2x at Scottish Championships Regatta 2024 and performing highly at GB November trials 2024.
Keeping achievable goals in mind, such as competing for Scotland this summer which drive me to success.
I'd say stick with it, it can be pretty difficult at first, especially if you've never tried it before, but consistency is key. Use others to motivate yourself to get better, but don't put yourself down by comparing your abilities to athletes more experienced than you.
It will allow me to continue training over the holiday periods, allowing me to maintain my fitness and strength through your gym and swimming facilities. This means when I return to formal training in January 2025 I will be in the best position fitness and strength wise for GB trials in February.
Information about Heriot Watt Boat Club can be found on Instagram as well as the Heriot Watt Sports Scholar Instagram. As well as occasional information on Scottish Rowing and British Rowing Instagrams.