Former Cambridge rower announced as new chief of MI6

Before leading Britain’s secret service, Blaise Metreweli was a force to be reckoned with on the water

Blaise Metreweli has been appointed the first female chief of MI6. For the first time in 116 years, a woman will lead MI6 but Metreweli also has a distinguished rowing career.

Before being known as ‘Q’, the head of the technology and innovation division, Metreweli was a student at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where she started an undergraduate degree in Anthropology in 1995. During her studies, Metreweli trained with the light blues of Cambridge University Women’s Boat Club for the 1997 Boat Race at Henley. Led by President, and future Olympic bronze medallist, Sarah Winckless, the 1997 Blue Boat triumphed over their dark blue opposition. It was part of one of Cambridge’s dynasties in the Women’s Boat Race as the Light Blues went undefeated from 1992 – 1999.

The 1997 squad was one of the finest assembled. Led by the aforementioned Athens medallist in the Double Sculls, Francesca Zino who would go on to represent Great Britain in the Women’s Eight in Sydney, was sandwiched between the President and the new Chief of MI6. Kat Astley, who stroked the ’97 crew would go on to be elected President the following year and lead her crew to victory as part of Cambridge’s dominance in the 1990s.

Fast forward to 2024, and Metreweli was back wearing light blue.Last year’s Veterans Boat Race was the third edition for the women, racing over the championship course from the Start to Furnivall Steps. Metreweli was back in the five-seat and on this occasion, the race was a dead heat between the two boats.