LONDON, England – When Saturday comes around, Daphne Martschenko ’14 will be a part of rowing history.
Martschenko will be rowing for Cambridge University as part of the Newton Women’s Boat Race. The race holds historical significance as it will be the first time the Oxford and Cambridge women will race on the same course and on the same day as the men’s boat race.
“It's incredible,” said Martschenko. “I keep pinching myself. It's hard to believe that I just happen to be here at this time in history - what a blessing.”
The Boat Race is a unique sporting event watched by thousands along the banks of the Tideway, between Putney and Mortlake in London. It is also viewed all across the world on BBC and online. This year’s events will kick off at 12 p.m. on April 11 in London with the Newton Women’s Boat Race scheduled for 4:50 p.m.
Martschenko helped lead Stanford to one of its best seasons in program history as a senior in 2014. As part of the varsity eight she helped the Cardinal win its first Pac-12 Championship and finish fourth as a team at the NCAA Championships. Now she is one of the top rowers at Cambridge and is expected to row seven-seat at the Boat Race.
“I love the group of girls I've had the privilege of rowing with this year,” said Martschenko. “There is such drive and attention to detail. It is amazing to be in an environment where rowing is a recognized and respected sport.”
The media attention towards the Oxford and Cambridge rowing teams is far and beyond what college rowing teams receive. With the history of this year’s event, there is even more media attention.
Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? #caughtinalandslide #makinghistory #LightBlue pic.twitter.com/6rY5GrXHGt
— Daphne M (@daphmarts) April 4, 2015
“There is so much media attention and publicity,” said Martschenko. “To see you and your teammates in major newspapers throughout England or to be stopped when you're on the train or walking through town and asked if you are one of those women racing on the Tideway this year is indescribable.”
Media coverage included the traditional events associated with the race such as the weigh-in and gala dinner. The United Kingdom has also launched the #ThisGirlCan campaign to help promote the historical significance of this year’s race.
We're proud to be #LightBlue and showing that #ThisGirlCan on April 11th! pic.twitter.com/f7e6DA3KRT
— CUWBC (@cuwbc) March 20, 2015
“The weigh-in and gala dinner were phenomenal events,” said Martschenko. “There was such great energy. The campaign really came to the forefront that day and made me realize just how historic this all is.”
After graduating from Stanford last June with degrees in anthropology and Slavic languages, Martschenko was accepted into Cambridge for a one-year master’s program. She is pursuing a Master of Philosophy in the education faculty. Her program is called Politics, Development and Democratic Education. She is currently writing a thesis examining the influence of genetic research on intelligence heritability with the Fairfax County Public Schools’ Gifted Education programs in Virginia.
“This course has really allowed me to cultivate my passion for social justice and conduct data analysis on the effects of socio-economic status and race on student achievement,” said Martschenko.”
Martschenko has been accepted to the PhD program in the same faculty at Cambridge and is currently trying to find funding to stay another three years for that program.
But for now she is soaking in every moment of her experience. She has gone to Banyoles, Spain for winter training camp and will be competing in Croatia in May.
“I’m very thankful for this incredible adventure,” said Martschenko.
The @NewtonIM Women's Boat Race and @daphmarts will be #ChangingHistory on the Tideway this year! #ThisGirlCan pic.twitter.com/3hLyI4JWgt
— BNYMellon Boat Races (@BNYMellonRaces) March 19, 2015
