It’s that time of year again when over 300,000 people descend on Henley-on-Thames for what’s viewed as the most prestigious regatta in the world.

Henley Royal Regatta has more than 400 thrilling knockout races, which can include Olympic rowers, international teams, local crews… and Abbey students! Getting to take part in this historical, elite, sporting competition is a huge honour and one that Ione, Lower VI, is about to achieve for a phenomenal second time.

Ione rows for Marlow Rowing Club and has a seat in their top junior quad boat. “Last year I was in their top quad and this year I’ve got into it again and I’m in the bow seat, so I’m steering it this year which is quite exciting,” Ione said.

Rowing runs in the family, “my mum rowed at university and then for Scotland and my dad also rowed at uni and for Scotland and I think maybe England”. It was her parents who signed her up for a ‘junior learn to row’ session in Year 6 and “I never stopped after that. I wouldn’t say I loved it from the beginning, it definitely took a lot of getting used to, but I do now!”. Ione has been at Marlow Rowing Club ever since.

It’s a huge commitment but one that Ione thrives on. “I train six days a week” which entails “lots of gym work, lots of 90 minutes-long steady miles, weights” and more. “I like the fact that you get something out of it in the end. I like the fact that I train for a goal and then you can often achieve that goal. I also like that my friends are there.”

What would be her ultimate goal from training? “To achieve a GB vest, that’s what I’m going for whether I do that as a junior or senior. At some point I’d like to get a GB vest.” The calm confidence and conviction in her voice leaves no doubt that we’re definitely looking at a potential future GB star.

Rowing at Henley Regatta is already an incredible accomplishment in her rowing career. It’s notoriously difficult to get to compete there and rowers come from all over the world to take part. Ione says, “my biggest achievement so far is definitely last year’s Henley Regatta. Getting to the final was pretty cool, we had to race against Wycliffe College, which were the fastest girls quad there’s ever been, and to be fair we were only seven seconds off them. Getting to the final was amazing – it was international as well.”

How does it feel to row at Henley? “I feel like every rower’s goal in life is to compete on the weekend of Henley. I think it is the most prestigious event in the world and so popular because of the tradition. Obviously it dates back quite a while, but it’s the fact that it keeps growing and now everyone wants to compete at Henley. If you win it, you’re the best of the best.”

Sitting in the boat at the startline by Temple Island, Ione shared that “I don’t think I’ve ever been more nervous in my life to be honest because anything can happen at Henley.” So will she feel calmer the second time around this year? “I feel like the nerves never go”.

There was no hesitation when asked if Ione would prefer to race on the ‘Berks’ or ‘Bucks’ side of the course, “I quite like Berks because you start off with the best water, whereas if you get Bucks you only get the best water halfway through. So, it’s like if you start from the beginning, psychologically it’s better.”

Aside from the actual rowing, Ione enjoys the social side of Henley Regatta as well. “I like that a lot of my friends come to Henley, just because it’s a fun social event and then they also get to see me racing. It’s just nice to dress up as well, you get to see everyone dressed quite traditionally and, of course, all the blazers.”

What would her advice be to anyone interested in giving rowing a go? “Even if you don’t like it at first, keep pushing with it because it can be a very hard sport to get used to, but once you do it’s so rewarding.”

If you want to try and spot Ione at this year’s Henley Regatta, she said that her team can stand out before a race because they have a tradition of doing what they call the ‘rubber chicken’, “it’s so embarrassing but it’s to get the team vibe up. Your coach says something and you have to repeat it – you have to get your body moving, shaking your hands and legs and shout things! I don’t know why it’s called rubber chicken but that’s what we call it!”.

It sounds like Ione is more than ready to race that world-famous 2,112m course and everyone at The Abbey will be behind her!