1 mins
Tom Mackintosh
As we edge closer to The Boat Race 2025, Oxford University Boat Club is in a very exciting place. This season has been defined by resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence from our coaching team, athletes and other members of our club. Our men’s and women’s squads have embraced the demands of rowing, study, and challenging weather conditions with a collective mindset, enabling us to be better together and support each other where necessary.
The introduction of a new coaching structure has been instrumental in this progress. Fresh perspectives, combined with the club’s deeprooted traditions, have created an environment that is very inspiring to all our club members. Our members are also very grateful for the support from our alumni and their continued invested interest in our success. The privilege of preparing for such a unique and historic event is certainly not lost on us at Oxford.
From my own perspective having watched The Boat Race from afar, as a young rower growing up in New Zealand, it is an honour to be here in the UK leading the Dark Blues. This year has been a whirlwind, but with each week of training and each trip to Iffley, Wallingford or Putney, I have gathered a greater understanding of the club’s history and the passion that lies behind The Boat Race.
It has been a steep learning curve making the adjustment from Olympic athlete to aspiring Blue, while juggling academic commitments and the responsibilities that come with being President. But leading the Oxford men’s Boat Race campaign is truly a once in a lifetime experience and one that I will always be thankful for.
The race is almost here and Oxford University Boat Club is in a great place.