There She Rows: Tackling The Atlantic
There She Rows is an all-female crew – consisting of Victoria Monk, Ana Žigić, Molly Green and Ellie Reynolds – who are undertaking an unassisted, 3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean.
Following the recent news of their partnership with Sport Industry Group Official Partner InsightX, we caught up with them to find out more about the challenge…
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and the Atlantic Challenge you are undertaking?
Viki – In my day job, I’m Women’s Sport Lead at CSM Sport & Entertainment, and outside of work – I’m now leading a team of wonderful women to row across the Atlantic Ocean to inspire more women and girls to get involved with sport.
The Atlantic Challenge is an unassisted 3,000-mile rowing race from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. We’ll be rowing 2h on 2h off 24 hours a day for the duration of the crossing (ca.40 days) – the conditions are tough (we will likely face storms, waves up to 40ft in height, and potential boat capsizes), but we’re excited for the challenge ahead!
Ana – I work in sports marketing, advocate about women’s health on my socials, and have been a rower for the better part of 14 years, albeit on and off due to health complications. It’s going to be a huge learning curve moving away from rivers and lakes to coastal waters and open oceans. I’m so excited for the challenge ahead having known many incredible people who have undertaken it in the past.
Molly – I’m a semi-pro rugby player and Reserve Infantry Soldier. The team and I are rowing/racing 3000 miles across the open Atlantic Ocean; to create some noise to inspire the next generation of sportswomen.
Ellie – I’m a metaphorically lost 24-yr-old with a passion for sport, a love for adventure and a deep sense of belonging outdoors. I’m a trained scientist but since signing up to row the Atlantic I’ve had a very early mid-life crisis and I’m finding purpose in life through a new role with Sport Wales.
What has been the driving force behind you taking on this challenge?
Viki – All four of us are sportswomen in our own right (triathletes, ultramarathon runners, rower and a pro/semi-pro rugby player) – and we have so much to thank sport for, for developing us into the women we are today (both personally and professionally).
Ultimately, we are using this challenge to ‘give back’ for all that sport has given to us, to help inspire a new generation of girls and women and to hopefully help to develop a new generation of women leaders in our society.
Molly – The opportunity to share how much sport has changed our lives. It is the loudest possible thank you to everyone who has helped us along our journey, and to create a vehicle to hopefully guide others.
What are you most looking forward to?
Ellie – Time outdoors; facing everything Mother Nature throws at us, the sunrises and sunsets, dark starry skies and hopefully some amazing wildlife!
Ana – The stillness and simplicity after we’ve pushed off from land (after the initial sea sickness wears off!) and making this crossing with an inspirational team of women who share a common goal.
What are you expecting to be the biggest challenge?
Viki – Just reaching the start line is a monumental feat -it will be over two years in the making by the time we set off on 12th December 2023 – bringing on board commercial sponsors, managing a charity campaign, thousands of hours in training and mental preparation.
Ellie – The extreme tiredness. 40 days of sleep deprivation is not something we can really prepare for. Managing navigation and satellite comms while having sleep deprived hallucinations is going to be … an experience!
Ana -Managing my health and flare ups from Endometriosis and PCOS – I don’t want to let the team down. These health conditions are something I want to draw attention to and educate on as we progress in the campaign.
How have your everyday lives been impacted by preparations?
Molly – My existing rugby career and relationships (friendships and otherwise!) are on pause, but I’ve been blessed with 3 new sisters, unbelievable support from our sponsors (and an unlikely new conversation starter!).
Ellie – I have put a hold on my triathlon career and said goodbye to any other hobbies I had. Relationships are now very distant because all the time I have is committed to the campaign; it’s actually a very isolating thing to do in that sense. That said, I’ve got three new legends in my life who I get to share every high and low with – a truly special family I feel so lucky to be a part of.
Ana – As well as training, chasing sponsorship leads, and managing socials – I’m also planning a wedding and have recently started a new job! In all honesty there isn’t enough hours in a day which can lead to a knock on effect on my health where I’m not vigilant in prioritising recovery. It’s been quite the learning curve!
Can you tell us about the charities you are raising money for?
Women’s Sport Trust are driving positive change for women in sport.
Teenage Cancer Trust is a charity close to our hearts and affects so many others. Ellie worked in cancer research for a year so understands first-hand how much funding is required to support vital research.
Endometriosis is particularly close to our hearts. Ana had to quit sport and an active lifestyle on a number of occasions before an Endometriosis diagnosis and subsequent surgeries.
You recently partnered with InsightX. Can you tell us about how that came about and how they will be supporting you?
Ana – I met the incredible Sophie as a Sport Industry Group Socials event last summer and tried to convince her to join our boat. I was immediately inspired by Sophie’s story and energy and was so fortunate that she took an interest in our mission.
Viki – Sophie and Justin of InsightX have been the most incredible friends and supporters of There She Rows – our values align completely, and we’re excited to see what impact we can create together for girls and women in sport and wider society.
What are the commercial aims for 2023, ahead of the challenge at the end of the year? Are you targeting more partners?
Viki – We are looking to bring on board other commercial partners who share similar values and ambition. Brands and companies that want to create genuine impact around female empowerment. If that’s you, please get in touch!
What lasting impact are you hoping for from the challenge? Not just on a personal level, but in relation to the causes you are trying to raise awareness for?
Molly – To amplify the growing conversation around women in sport to create a happier healthier and more inclusive future for the next generation of sportswomen.
Ana – There has been an incredible shift in interest/ support/ investment of women’s elite sports. My hope is that our row will inspire growth within women’s grassroots sport and making sure it is accessible to all women across all intersections. I also want to break down taboos around talking about health conditions that predominantly affect women and the impact this can have on athletes.
