Hampton-Dumont-CAL alumna and 2024 University of Iowa graduate Claire Wragge is spending the holiday week competing at Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames in England with the Hawkeye women’s eight rowing team. This is the first time Iowa has competed at the Regatta since 2018.
Wragge says it’s a unique opportunity to compete at the top rowing event in the world.
“It is one of the most prestigious races and it’s held in Henley, England for rowers,” says Wragge. “We’re able to go and compete at that level. We have the opportunity to go every four years and we haven’t gone in a very long time. Our coach thought it was important for us to experience that, and I have been given the opportunity.”
The Hawkeyes varsity eight last competed at the Big Ten Championships on May 19 with an eighth place finish. Wragge highlights the unwavering support of teammates and coaches and the perk of traveling.
“If it weren’t for my class, if it weren’t for the girls that I work out with every day, I would simply not be here. It’s a really tough sport, so having that support is definitely very important. The travel is an amazing perk to compete at a very high level. The people I’m surrounded with every day, and having an amazing coaching staff that supports you not only as an athlete, but as a person. I think that’s a real big key to having a positive environment for the team.”
Wragge’s advice to athletes hoping to compete at the next level is to manage priorities and find the little wins.
“I think making sure you have your priorities straight, an understanding of what it takes to sacrifice your social life and your academic life to perform at this level. It takes a lot of extra work. Just making sure that you’re staying on top of it, but also trying to find the little wins and the moments where you can share with your friends.”
The Hawkeyes varsity eight team qualified to compete in the Island Challenge Cup. In the first round on Tuesday, the Hawkeyes, in 7:31, finished behind Edinburgh University B.
Competition continues through Sunday, July 7.
Follow the latest results here
