Oxford's women ended eight years of Cambridge dominance in the Boat Race with a stunning performance on Saturday, while Cambridge's men overpowered their rivals for a fourth consecutive victory. Rowing in choppy waters on the Thames, the women's race saw Oxford take an early lead and hold off a fierce Cambridge fightback to secure their first triumph since 2016.
Led by Olympic bronze medallist Heidi Long, Oxford forged ahead from the start and led by about six seconds at Hammersmith Bridge. Despite Cambridge cox Matt Moran steering into calmer waters on the Surrey bend, Oxford refused to cede their advantage, sealing a win that sparked passionate celebrations at the finish in Mortlake. The victory was especially poignant for Australian rower Annie Anezakis and Sarah Marshall, who tasted success in their fourth attempt.
In the men's race, Cambridge asserted their authority in the second half after a strong challenge from Oxford. The light blues led by less than a length at Hammersmith Bridge but pulled away to win by four lengths, an advantage of 10 seconds, in conditions described as 'biblical' by Cambridge's Simon Hatcher. Cambridge coach Rob Baker praised his crew, saying they are 'up there' among the finest assembled.
Oxford women's coach Allan French hailed his team's resilience, noting the years of effort put into the victory. 'These girls are incredible. They put their life and soul into this. It’s a brutal race and today they made everybody so proud,' he said. The result ends Cambridge's eight-year winning streak in the women's event, with Oxford now holding 31 wins to Cambridge's 49 since 1927.
