University Graduate Aims to Be First Woman of Colour to Row Atlantic Solo

A university graduate is attempting to become the “first woman of colour” to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Ananya Prasad, 34, from Sheffield, intends to complete the 3,000-mile journey from La Gomera, in the Canary Islands, to Antigua. She plans to raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation and her uncle’s orphanage in India, while also seeking to enhance diversity in adventure sports and rowing. She stated: “I hope by participating that one day women and people of colour in adventure sport isn’t something distinctive, but the norm.” Born in Bengaluru, India, Ananya relocated to the UK with her family at the age of five and has consistently held a passion for exercise, the outdoors, and adventure. She mentioned having followed the World’s Toughest Row event for several years, initially uncertain if it was a suitable endeavor for her. “I had the same opinion as everyone else, that this is amazing but absolutely crazy, and I’d never do anything like this whatsoever,” she said. Prasad added: “Then, as I got to know more about the race, and the experience, and what you learn about yourself, it became something I want to do.” Ananya stated that she has been preparing herself physically for the crossing and familiarizing herself with “every nut and bolt” of her custom-built 25ft ocean rowing boat in anticipation of the voyage. However, she noted that mental preparation for between 60 and 80 days of solitude would present a significant challenge. She emphasized: “Dealing with things on your own is the most important thing.” She further explained: “Being able to visualise things going wrong and the steps I’m going to take to not panic.” Prasad also mentioned receiving advice from fellow rowers to keep in mind her motivation for undertaking the challenge. She elaborated: “If you were just doing this for yourself, it’d be easy to quit and say ‘I gave it my best, it’s okay’,” she said. adding, “[But] if you’re doing it for something outside yourself, or you have a good reason why you’re doing it, then that’s going to help you stay on track and push you through.” She indicated her decision to support the Mental Health Foundation stems from her personal experiences and her belief that mental health is “ridiculously and unnecessarily stigmatised.” The second charity she selected is the Deenabandhu Trust, her uncle’s orphanage and school, where she has previously volunteered during family visits. Although women of colour have previously completed the journey as part of a team, Ananya’s solo attempt aims to be a pioneering achievement that signals a shift in the sport. She remarked: “The lack of diversity in adventure sport has always been very apparent to me,” adding, “While there are a myriad of reasons for this, I hope to inspire more people of colour and women into adventure sport and rowing and offer some representation to the outdoors for women of colour.“So far fewer than 25 women have rowed solo across an ocean and I would become the first woman of colour to do this solo.”