My eighth highlight of the week comes from an unexpected event, as I focus on the infamous annual rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge which took place on Sunday.
For a sport which is incredibly gruelling and is most certainly one of the most psychically demanding in the world, rowing is not too popular to watch. To be truthful, apart from the odd time during the London 2012 Olympics, I’ve never really paid much attention to it myself and my knowledge of the sport is minimal.
But the Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge is a historic event which has taken place every year since 1854. It is covered every year by the BBC for the British public to tune in, whilst around 250,000 people watch the race from the river banks every year.
On to the race itself now.
In the men’s, Cambridge claimed their first win in four years against Oxford in the 162nd edition of the race.
Cambridge are victorious… (Credit- http://www.telegraph.co.uk)
Cambridge took full advantage of the early lead they gained to change their fortunes in the race, and their height and weight advantage among the rowers. The winners were coached by 2000 Olympic Gold medallist Steve Trapmore.
The Cambridge President Henry Hoffstot said: “A lot of hard work goes into this- we wanted it more”. He later added that from running through the course the previous day the team knew that the conditions would be testing.
Nice Wellies boys (Credit- http://www.telegraph.co.uk)
Earlier in the day Oxford won the Women’s Boat Race for the fourth year running, however there was some drama which overshadowed the victory…
Towards the very end of the race the Cambridge boat began to sink… quite rapidly at that.
Abandon ship! (Credit- http://www.independent.co.uk)
They were ordered by the race organisers- as they waved the red- flag to either stop or make their way to the very edge of the banks to finish the race- and admirably they did. Although the boat was fully submerged, thankfully no harm was done to the rowers.
As Shug in Still Game once said: “The water can be a cruel mistress” …
“Mistreat her and she will envelope you…like an envelope”
Thanks for reading,
Ewan.
Naearmbands 