Campus Life - Letters from Oxford University

The 149th University Boat Race

By Wahei Aoyama

オックスフォード大の勝利を伝えるサイト(http://www.oxfordstudent.com/2003-04-24/sport/1)

On a cold and dreary April afternoon, 250,000 people gathered along the banks of the River Thames in London, while 7.7 million people in the U.K. and 400 million people around the world tuned their televisions to the BBC.

Everyone eagerly awaited the start of the most popular British collegiate sporting event of the year: the 149th University Boat Race. What we were about to witness was perhaps the most memorable battle in the competitive history of eternal rivals Cambridge and Oxford.

The University Boat Race is, quite simply, a race between two rowboats, with eight oarsmen to a boat. Oxford and Cambridge have a history of fierce rivalry that goes back centuries. In all sports, from soccer and rugby to judo and ping-pong, the Oxbridge battle is occasion for excitement and suspense. The University Boat Race in particular is rich in tradition, with the very first race taking place in 1829.

Last year's race was considered the best in years, as the Oxford Dark Blues vanquished the Cambridge Light Blues by the closest of margins in the 4 1/2-mile race. This year's University Boat Race, however, was heavily reported to be in Cambridge's favor. Not only was the Cambridge crew heavier than Oxford's by a stone per man, the Oxford crew was young and inexperienced, while the Cambridge crew was comprised of seasoned veterans. To make matters worse, Oxford had lost the coin toss and would be starting from the northern side of the river, a disadvantageous position.

I stood on the riverside with my friends near the goal. It's more exciting to watch the boats approach you as they cross the finish line, rather than see them start and disappear into the distance. We had a portable TV so we could hear the live broadcast from the reporters and watch the majority of the race. We waited with bated breath as the boats were lined up at the starting point. The tension lingered in the air as we prayed our oarsmen would win.

The audience roared as the race began with excellent starts from both crews. Oxford took an early lead, with their youthful energy propelling them forward in vigorous spurts. Yet Cambridge remained close on our heels, with a controlled calm that echoed their experience and maturity.

The Light Blues took the lead a number of times during the middle of the course. Yet neither boat would relent. The suspense was unbelievable as the Dark Blues came ahead by just seven feet at the very last river bend. As the crews approached the finish, it appeared as if the race would end in a dead heat.

At the final stretch, Oxford's lead quickly began to diminish as Cambridge started an incredible last spurt. With the energy still left in their bodies, Cambridge put up a gutsy comeback, while the young Oxford crew passionately struggled to hold on. My friends and I stood frozen, completely captivated by the amazing race before our eyes.

As the boats crossed the finish line, none could discern the winner. The race was that close. The stopwatch clocked each boat at 18 minutes 6 seconds. Neither crew celebrated as it stopped rowing. The oarsmen just sat limp in their boats, exhausted. Yet as the official results were checked, it was announced that Oxford were victorious by a mere foot - the closest race in Unversity Boat Race history.

Everyone who had watched the 2003 race knew they had witnessed the most thrilling, dramatic race ever. I saw something very special, a feat of sportsmanship by both crews that was truly legendary. Congratulations to all!

Shukan ST: May 30, 2003

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