Role model Cracknell ‘lacks fitness to lead Cambridge’

‘UNCLE’ James Cracknell, as he is known to his Cambridge rowing colleagues, has been dispensing pearls of wisdom to his crewmates prior to today’s Boat Race.

Among those lapping them up has been Callum Sullivan, 27 years his junior and one of those rowing in the shadow of the double Olympic champion. ‘He’s got so much experience. For example, he tells us how to carry ourselves in public and in front of the opposition,’ says Sullivan.

At the age of 46 Cracknell had to train differently to his younger colleagues and needed to lead by example in other ways. ‘James is into the team atmosphere, although he gets tired in training quicker than other people,’ adds Sullivan.

‘He was the guy who apparently led the group in training in the Olympics but he hasn’t got the fitness to do that now. He’s a role model and leader in the team.’

Sullivan, from Greenwich, who was inspired by London 2012 to try rowing, has since competed at the European Championships.

He combines a punishing rowing training regime with studying for a degree in ethnomusicology. ‘It’s the study of people making music and how it affects lives and cultures.

‘If I go to a Chinese restaurant and listen to the music I can name most of the instruments and I always try to order in Mandarin as I did it for GCSE.’

Cambridge are strongly favoured to win this year, as they are in the women’s varsity race. Today, live on BBC1 from 1.20pm