Clare Balding was forced to issue an on-air apology after strong language was broadcast during the women's Boat Race on Channel 4. The incident occurred moments after Oxford's women secured their first victory in the event since 2016.
Channel 4 reporter Jamie Laing was interviewing the triumphant crew when cox Louis Corrigan exclaimed: "What a f****** awesome day." Laing swiftly apologised to viewers, and Balding followed suit, saying sorry for the inappropriate language.
Oxford's stroke and captain Heidi Long, overwhelmed by the win, confessed: "I'm quite overwhelmed." Oxford's commanding performance saw them win by 9.4 seconds, marking their 31st overall victory in the Women's Boat Race.
This is not the first time swearing has caused controversy during the Boat Race. In 2022, Cambridge Women's cox Jasper Parish was caught swearing on BBC microphones, though no apology was issued on air. A BBC spokesman later apologised for any offence caused.
In 2013, Ofcom resolved a complaint against the BBC over offensive language broadcast during the race. Winning Oxford cox Oskar Zorilla was heard swearing, leading the BBC to hire a dedicated staff member to monitor cox microphone feeds from the following year.
