SOUL OF SPORT: Thousands flock to the River Thames to watch Cambridge thrash historic rivals Oxford in the Boat Race despite a worrying near-collapse… with ANDY HOOPER capturing the action
- Cambridge defeated university rivals Oxford in the 2024 Boat Race after winning by three and a half lengths
- The victors opened a comfortable lead but slowed with a stroke Matt Edge on the verge of collapse
- All crews were warned not to enter the Thames after significant levels of E. coli were found, posing a health risk
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Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For the latest episode of the series, ANDY HOOPER traveled to the banks of the River Thames to watch Cambridge crush Oxford in this year’s Boat Race.
Cambridge defeated their historic university rivals in the men’s race by three and a half lengths to complete a double, following victory in the women’s race.
Earlier this week, crews were warned not to enter the Thames after significant levels of E. coli were found, forcing them to take precautions and wear trainers.
After leading by more than 10 seconds, the Cambridge men slowed towards the end of their race, with Matt Edge seemingly on the verge of collapse. The stricken Edge was later carried from the boat.
Our cameraman captured the action with Nikon Z8 and Z9 cameras with 24-70mm, 70-200 and 600mm lenses.
Four-time Olympic rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent watched as Cambridge defeated Oxford in the 2024 Boat Race
Cambridge surged to a three-and-a-half length lead in the men’s race, taking victory despite a late collapse scare
The River Thames sparkled with sunshine as both teams in the men’s race put on a show for thousands of spectators
Sebastian Benzecry lifted the trophy after the Cambridge men crossed the line to record a memorable double
The victorious Cambridge men and women posed with their respective trophies after climbing out of their boats
Barges full of spectators floated slowly down the river as crowds of people fixated on the drama on the water
The Cambridge women’s team started their day to remember after beating their rivals over the four-mile course
The historic race starts in Putney and finishes in Mortlake, with spectators stretching for miles along both banks of the river
The crew was advised this year to wear shoes and avoid getting into the water due to high levels of E. coli
Pinsent (right), who competed in the Boat Race three times, performed the toss prior to the men’s race
Worryingly, Cambridge bat Matt Edge had to be stretchered from the boat after coming close to collapsing
The dejected Oxford crew slumped forward in their boats as Cambridge toasted their achievement in the background
Cambridge showed little visible emotion after crossing the line, such was the effort required to beat their rivals
The male and female crew members gathered on stage to celebrate with their trophies and bottles of champagne
An attempted protest by Just Stop Oil was foiled on Chiswick Bridge, with police officers intervening
