Boat Race sisters do it for themself ies!
GIRL power was the definite winner at yesterday’s historic Boat Race as women rowed on the same course and same day as the men for the first time.
Oxford University women’s rowing team beat Cambridge – inspiring their male colleagues to win for the third time running in the 161st race.
The women’s race has been held since 1927 further upriver at Henley, but after years of campaigning for equal billing they were finally given equality with the men.
Oxford, who entered the race as favourites, took the lead within the first few minutes and never looked like losing it. They finished six-and-a-half lengths and 19 seconds ahead.
The team’s performance was undoubtedly boosted by US Olympic gold medallist and world champion Caryn Davies, who was the most experienced rower – male or female – on the river. She said winning had been tougher than the Olympics. ‘It hurts a lot,’ she added.
Cox Jennifer Ehr had told her colleagues beforehand: ‘Let’s do this for everyone who made it happen. Let’s make history today.’
There were scenes of tears and jubilation on the river when the victorious Oxford women were helped and applauded out of their boat.
Team captain Anastasia Chitty said it had been ‘humbling’ to win on the same course as the men. ‘It’s just amazing. It’s a really special moment,’ she said.
Oxford’s preparations had been far from smooth. Ten days ago the crew had to be rescued by the RNLI when their boat sank during a training session.
Huge crowds watched yesterday’s event, which will transform perceptions of the women’s race and mean it will no longer be treated as the poor relation.