Lexy Wood (NC 2015) on why her love of rowing has led her to want to trek through the arctic
Ever since my year at Newnham College, where I was lucky enough to be chosen as the first recipient of the Anna Watkins Award, I have been itching for another challenge.
When I saw FjällRäven were advertising the opportunity of a lifetime to join an international Polar expedition through 300km of Arctic wilderness with over 100 highly skilled sled dogs, I jumped at the chance to sign up.
FjällRäven Polar take two participants from each country on a journey that teaches you just what it takes to survive in the extreme Polar environment.
Participants eat, dress, sleep and compete in the outdoors on a race that begins in Norway and travels to Sweden, along the ancient Sami trade route, following the Torneälven River, and finishing in Väkkäräjärvi.
While rowing has taught me how to push my body physically, I have never had to do so in such an intense environment as this.
I long to take on another team challenge where I can put to use the support, passion and drive that I learnt while rowing for CUWBC. My aim is to challenge preconceptions that women are not as capable as men at coping with extreme environments.
While I am in the lead in the UK voting poll amongst the women candidates, I need all of the votes I can get to boost my ranking and catch up with the top six contestants.
I thoroughly appreciate the continuing support I receive from Newnham College and I hope that you will take the time to vote.
Vote here – the voting is through Facebook to ensure no double voting occurs. Nothing will be posted on your Facebook page!