Cracknell delighted to be selected by Cambridge

JAMES Cracknell might have two Olympic gold medals and a host of other rowing accolades, but he says being selected for the 2019 Boat Race is his proudest achievement.

Cracknell, who won gold at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics, will become the oldest ever competitor in the history of the annual race, aged 46. The veteran, studying a philosophy degree, has been named in Cambridge’s boat for the April 7 contest against Oxford.

“It’s impossible to appreciate what getting selected for the Boat Race is actually like,” Cracknell said.

“Training so intensively and competing with a group of guys for the same seats in a boat while studying hard at a top university, you could easily fall apart.

“The national team I was part of for so long could learn a thing or two from the Boat Race squads.

“Making the Blue Boat after a tough year is arguably my proudest achievement in rowing, but making the boat is only the start, I and the other lads aren’t there for the kit and being selected, it’s about delivering on April 7.”

Cracknell has eight years on the previous oldest competitor, Andy Probert, who coxed for Cambridge in 1992. His age has provided some challenges, but coach Rob Baker says Cracknell’s drive is as big as ever.

“The biggest thing for James is about how hard he is prepared to work,” Baker revealed.