Francis Highton

About me

A national level swimmer in my teens, I started rowing at 15. Quickly realizing how much I loved the sport, swimming began to take a backseat, and I raced for GB Juniors in 2009. I moved to Durham University for my undergraduate degree in Geography, winning multiple British university titles and representing GB at the U23 World Championships during my time there. After graduating from Durham with my BA and an MA in Risk and Security (International Relations), I decided to pursue rowing full-time. I moved to Leander Club in Henley-on-Thames, where I raced for four years with the aim of making it into the GB Senior Rowing Team. Unfortunately, the Olympic Dream was not to be as I developed an injury in 2016. I moved away from the full-time pursuit of that goal but continued to row and train, keeping involved in the sport through challenges and adventures.

In 2018, I joined the previous RowZambezi expedition along the Kafue, making some lifelong friends and sharing in an incredible – though grueling – experience. I was also lucky enough to represent GB at the World Coastal Rowing Championships in Canada and Hong Kong in 2018 and 2019. During this time, I kickstarted my career in teaching, moving from Henley to London. I got a job at Hampton School, where I have been teaching Geography for 5 years. Coaching rowing there too, I have learned vital skills around communication, enthusiasm, and above all, patience!

Throughout this time around work, I have taken on other sporting challenges; you can catch me running and hiking around mountains, swimming in rivers and lochs, and occasionally lifting in CrossFit. I want to do an Iron Man at some point... So, while I no longer spend the hours on the ergo that I used to, sport is very much still part of who I am today, and that is down to rowing. I am very excited to share in another adventure that allows me to experience a part of the world doing a sport I love.

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Motivations

Being a part of an expedition that has meant so much to so many and has done so much good for people throughout Zambia is a privilege. I believe rowing is brilliant at uniting people and hope to help RowZambique spread this message further.

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Worries

Having rowed the Kafue in 2018, I am not really scared about any one thing as I am always game to try new challenges and take risks. Though knowing the hippos and the crocodiles will be under the boats is unnerving!