Oxford sealed victory in the Women’s Boat Race for the first time in nine years and Cambridge made it four consecutive wins in the Men’s Boat Race, as the crews contended with some of the most windy and choppy conditions in recent Boat Race memory.
This year’s squads brought together a blend of returning Blues, Olympic medallists and international representatives, as well as standout newcomers.
In the 80th Women’s Boat Race, Oxford beat Cambridge by three lengths in a time of 19:15. In the 171st Men’s Boat Race, Cambridge beat Oxford by three and a half lengths in a time of 17:57.
The results extended Cambridge’s winning margin to 89-81 in the Men’s Boat Race whilst Oxford closed the gap to 49-31 in the Women’s Boat Race.
The Women’s Boat Race and Men’s Boat Race bookended the two Reserve Races, which were both won by Cambridge.
Ten years on from their previous victory in the Women’s Boat Race, Oxford finally found a way to win as they powered into an immediate lead over Cambridge which they held to the finish line in rough and windy conditions.
With both coxes making strategic decisions down the course to cut the corners, the result felt in the balance until the final few hundred metres as Cambridge never let go.
For Annie Anezakis and Sarah Marshall, it was their first victory at the fourth attempt. For Lilli Freischem, Kyra Delray and President Heidi Long, it was a reversal of last year’s defeat.
In the women’s Reserve race, Osiris-Blondie, the Light Blues (Blondie) won by 9 lengths.
