Bow down to Bowden
Queen's College Finalist Annie Bowden recently received the inaugural Bannister Medal for excellence in sport and academia. Having gained Blues for Athletics, Cricket and Hockey, received an academic scholarship and taken part in a mentoring scheme for disadvantaged children, she is one of the most talented - and busy - members of the University.
What process did you go through to win the Bannister medal and how did you find the experience of meeting Sir Roger?
I never considered applying for the award as I thought the calibre of applicants would be so high. It transpired that I was nominated anyway and I received a phone call completely out of the blue about three weeks before the event telling me I was on the shortlist!
It was a wonderful experience to be presented with the inaugural award in front of my athletics club team mates and all the spectators at
the four minute mile anniversary event. In terms of meeting Sir Roger himself, I was able to talk to him for about fifteen minutes prior to receiving the award.
What have been your best sporting achievements at Oxford and what activities have you taken part in off the field?
I played a lot of hockey before coming to Oxford so joined the hockey club as soon as I arrived. As I had my Prelims in Hilary, which gave me some free time in my first summer term to take up cricket and athletics; sports I'd never had the opportunity to be coached in previously. Gaining Blues in these three sports have been particular highlights.
Regarding other activities, I am a college scholar and have also been involved in the National Mentoring Pilot Scheme, designed to help with education in disadvantaged areas. This involves weekly one-to-one sessions with children at a special school for those with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
What do you think of the general provision for sportsmen and women in Oxford?
Although certain of the facilities may not match the Loughboroughs and Baths of this world, I think that the range of sporting activities available at Oxford is very impressive. My one regret has been the lack of time available to me, owing to academic commitments, to explore a wider range. It can also prove expensive to pursue certain sports that are currently poorly funded.
And your plans for the future?
I have secured a training contract with Slaughter & May so will be doing a law conversion course next year.
Annie Bowden Factfile:
Hockey: U14-U21 Essex (captain at various stages)
U16/18/21 Represents East of England
U18 East Of England Vice-Captain, represents England
Oxford Blue 2002, 2003, 2004
Athletics: Oxford Blue 2002
Cricket: Oxford Half-Blue 2002-3
2004: Receives inaugural Bannister Medal for excellence in sport and academia.
20th May 2004