As the storied Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race concluded with Cambridge’s triumph in both the men’s and women’s races, the River Thames’ pollution levels have stirred controversy, casting a shadow over the competition. Oxford crew members were reportedly struck down by sickness attributed to an E. coli outbreak, a concern that has been brewing ahead of the iconic event.
Oxford rower Leonard Jenkins voiced his team’s struggle with illness on race day, saying, “We’ve had a few guys go down pretty badly with E. coli, this morning, I was throwing up, I was not sure there would be a chance for me to be in the boat.” The pre-race favorite’s defeat was certainly marred by this revelation. Thames Water’s sewage discharges into the river and its tributaries have come under scrutiny, especially after campaigning group River Action reported dangerously high levels of E. coli along the Boat Race course.
The pollution concerns were taken seriously enough, Cambridge’s women’s team, for instance, chose to hoist their cox, Hannah Murphy, inside the boat rather than tossing her into the Thames, citing the importance of following guidelines by British Safety. The Cambridge men’s coach, Rob Baker, remarked on the issue, “It’s obviously not a great situation. We’d like cleaner waterways and not have such a risk for our athletes.”
While Oxford’s Will Denegri was reluctant to use the water conditions as an excuse for their loss, he did note, “This week we’ve had three people who have had to miss sessions because they’ve had stomach bugs essentially. Whether that’s related to E. coli in the river I don’t know, but it’s certainly not helped our campaign.”
Oxford’s coach Sean Bowden had lambasted the state of Britain’s polluted waterways as a “national disgrace.” Cambridge’s success, despite the undercurrent of health concerns, extended their dominance in both the men’s and women’s races. Their meticulous preparations, including heeding health warnings and environmental concerns, showcased their adaptability.
Relevant articles:
– Oxford rower says Boat Race crew suffered ‘E. coli outbreak’ before defeat and complains of ‘poo in the water’, Sunday 31 March 2024 14:07, UK
– Boat Race organisers ask defeated Oxford crew to clarify sickness claims, The Guardian, Sun, 31 Mar 2024 19:21 BST
– Boat Race 2024: Oxford captain Lenny Jenkins blames E.Coli for dramatic defeat as he says he vomited before the start – as Cambridge rower Matt Edge collapses in boat yards from the finish, Daily Mail, Sat, 30 Mar 2024 11:01:20 BST
– Oxford complain of ‘poo in the water’ after Boat Race defeat, The Telegraph, Sat, 30 Mar 2024 18:28:00 GMT