Catherine and Gemma King, both 24, have been racing together ever since they picked up rowing at age 12. Since 2018, they’ve both taken part in the Gemini Boat Race representing Cambridge.
This year though, things are different. Catherine has switched over to Oxford to start her Ph D studies while Gemma is staying put at Cambridge for her own Ph D.
“We’re both really competitive and obviously want to win, but at the end of the day the Boat Race is about way more than just who takes first place,” Gemma, who’s studying stem cell biology, told PA news agency.
Catherine and Gemma are excited about their teams facing off on March 30 in the Boat Race (Tim Bekir/British Heart Foundation/PA)
“Whatever happens, I’ll be proud to race for Cambridge and proud of Catherine too for rowing with Oxford – but yeah, we’d love to come out on top.
“We all work so hard throughout the year, so seeing that effort pay off means a lot.”
Catherine, who’s focused on cardiovascular science, said: “I’m really looking forward to this year’s Boat Race. It’s been an exciting change joining Oxford’s team.”
“The Boat Race is such a unique experience and I can’t wait to see how we do on race day.”
Although their crews will compete against each other, it looks like Catherine and Gemma won’t actually row side by side this time around. Gemma will be in Cambridge’s first boat while Catherine will row in Oxford’s second boat after taking some time off due to an injury.
Catherine and Gemma King have spent years rowing together since starting at age 12 (Liz King/PA)
The sisters hail from Bagshot, Surrey. Their parents Mike and Liz King plan to cheer for both daughters – maybe even sporting hats or tees split between Cambridge light blue and Oxford dark blue.
“They’ve joked about wearing half-and-half hats but honestly it might happen,” Catherine laughed.
“They’ll definitely back us both though-they never miss any races.”
The twins got into rowing together when they were just twelve years old. It quickly became a big part of their lives.
“Starting out side by side helped us push each other because we’re both pretty competitive-not just against one another but as individuals too,” said Catherine.
Twin sisters Catherine and Gemma King (Tim Bekir/British Heart Foundation/PA)
Gemma added: “We keep it real with each other-we tell each other what needs fixing.
“Together we’ve managed things that surprised a lot of people.”
This year, The Boat Race Company Limited (BRCL) joined forces with the British Heart Foundation as its official charity partner-a partnership close to Catherine’s heart since her Ph D is fully funded by them. She says it combines two passions she cares deeply about.
The collaboration also honors Tim Senior, former BRCL chair who passed away from cardiac arrest last year in 2023.
If you want more info check out: bhf. org. uk/rowingchallenge.
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