mins
FINAL THOUGHTS
Noam Mouelle
CUBC Men’s President
Coming into this season, we knew we would have one of the largest squads in years. The sheer number of trialists brings its challenges: logistics, pressure on limited equipment and, inevitably, tough selection decisions. Yet it’s also the best thing that could have happened to us. The competitiveness within the group is unlike any I’ve seen in my time at CUBC. The calibre of athletes, from top to bottom, is exceptional. Whether you’re a world medallist or a returning Blue, no one can rest on their laurels. That depth is one of our biggest assets.
By every metric, this is the most talented squad I’ve seen. But the history of The Boat Race is full of very talented crews that still lost. The challenge now is to keep stepping on, maintaining focus and intensity to arrive on Saturday 4 April in the best possible condition.
Being president this season feels particularly special to me. When I joined CUBC in September 2022, we had just lost the race, and the squad was relatively weak, with no international or US recruits. I was struck by the determination, leadership and underdog mentality of the returning athletes and coaches. Three wins later, we could not be in a more different position, but these values have remained at the heart of the programme. We have made a point of protecting and promoting them.