For the first time in its rich 195-year history, the announcement of which 36 athletes had earnt coveted seats in the blue boats was made public.
Sandwiched between Superdry and Mango, as shoppers enjoyed their evening retail therapy, the stage was set for the big announcement.
Battersea Power Station was the perfect venue. It was befitting that this teaser event for one of Britain’s most iconic sporting events would be held in one of the country’s most iconic buildings.
Fans in all directions: Athletes were surrounded by cheering supporters as they were announced one by one.
Guests, families and curious shoppers were treated to a flurry of activities including photographs with the iconic trophies, film screenings of Turning The Tide, a series of short films telling the story of The Gemini Boat Race 2024 and a Q and A with Boat Race alumni and GB rowing Olympians.
At 7:30pm, the main event started. BBC broadcaster and Boat Race commentator Andrew Cotter hosted the proceedings.
As Cotter pointed out, Oxford started out with 88 trialists, Cambridge with 89 so the athletes who were called up onto the stage really were the cream of the crop.
Chair of the Boat Race company, Siobhan Cassidy in her introductory speech said: “With each historical era of the Boat Race we add to the story, the excitement and the drama.”
This rang true with this year’s event at Battersea which had all the drama as each athlete glided down an escalator opposite their blue rival, catwalked to the stage and shook hands with their opponent and respective coaches.
The men, as is tradition also weighed in and there was little between the rivals with Oxford coming in at an average 92kg, just half a kilogram heavier than their Cambridge counterparts.
Notably, Oxford’s two-man, Harry Glenister received the biggest cheers from his enthusiastic personal support crew attending the event.
The magic of the event was that for the first time the athletes could be announced in front of proud friends and family, something that was cherished by the crews.
Oxford women’s six seat, Annie Sharp said: “I was nervous descending down the escalator, the walk was longer than I expected but what a great story to tell family and friends. It’s been such a fun day and big thanks to the organisers for making it possible.”
Her Cambridge rival, three seat, Clare Hole added: “It was an incredible event. I don’t know what I was expecting but it was amazing to have so many people here.
“It’s been a great day to bond with the crew and have my family come and support is so special. I managed to not trip on the escalator walking up to the stage, so I’m happy.”
Joanna Matthews (Cambridge) stands aside from rival and Squad President, Ella Stadler (Oxford).
For all those in attendance, the event certainly whipped up anticipation for the big day and for the 36 Blue Boat rowers, their coaches and support teams it was a great moment to recognize the last six months of incredible hard work.
Now the crews are announced, the next two weeks are vital as every second will be poured into making their boat inches faster and achieving the one simple goal, to win the 2024 Boat Race.
The 78th Women’s Race begins at 14:46 on Saturday 20th March 2024, with the 169th Men’s Race an hour later.
For more information about the crews and for rower bios visit http://theboatrace.test/crews
The crew announcement also market the launch of our new video series, Turning the Tide. You can watch episode 1 now!
WORDS: Olivia Bothamley-Dakin
PHOTOS: Benedict Tufnell/Row360