Shelly
MICHELLE "SHELLEY" PEARSON
AGE: 24
SPORT: Rowing
>>MY HIGHLIGHTS
Wins—Women’s Henley in the Elite 8+ for
Oxford (2015); the Boat Race for Oxford (2015);
the Ivy League Championship for Harvard in
the Varsity 8+ (2012). Named College Rowing
Coaches Association Scholar Athlete (2012);
received both the OIL Group and Horseshoe
Group scholarships this year.
>>HOW I GOT STARTED
I was tall and athletic with absolutely no hand-eye coordination, so it was suggested I try
rowing while at boarding school in the US.
>>HOW I TRAIN
I train in a single with the Oxford Women’s
University team. Every week we do two 11/2
to 2-hour weights sessions, two to three land
training sessions, and six to seven sessions
rowing on the water. I’m currently completing
my MBA at Oxford so I have eight-plus hours
of class a day as well.
>>MY DIET
I eat lots of vegetables and whole grains with
some meat, fish, eggs and yoghurt. I always
treat myself to some dark chocolate or ice
cream, though, and occasionally a burger and
fries with friends.
>>HOW I GOT INSPIRED
After competing in the first women’s boat race
on the tideway last year I realised the significance and what it meant to many Bermudians.
I knew that Bermuda would be behind me if I
was to compete at the Olympics.
>>MY SPORTS HEROES
My dad became my sporting hero when he
took me for runs before school when I was
12. He would help me with my technique
and then we’d sprint the last hundred metres
home. That sprint (which I never won) and his
guidance have carried me through my entire
sporting career.
