Oxford University, including Canadians Barney Williams and Jake Wetzel, won the 152nd Boat Race today over rivals Cambridge.
The two crews were neck and neck at one point, but in the rough water on the Thames River, Oxford made the decisive break, taking full advantage of a bend in the course to establish a length's clear water over Cambridge, considered the pre-race favorites.
Oxford crossed the line in 18 minutes 26 seconds - five lengths ahead of Cambridge, finishing in 18 minutes 41 seconds (over four miles 374 yards).
Williams of Salt Spring Island, B.C., and Wetzel, a Saskatoon, Sask. native, were also crew mates in the 2004 Olympics. In men's four race, one of the most exciting of the Athens Games rowing finals, the Canadians lost to Great Britain by just .08 of a second.
British Columbia native Kip McDaniel, a 2005 Canadian National Team member and World bronze medalist, was part of the Cambridge boat this year. McDaniel, a Harvard grad, is studying economics at the British university.
"We had a nice rhythm, we were well in control about two and a half kms into the race, but at the bend at the Hammersmith bridge we were on the outside and the wind came on strong. To their credit, Oxford rowed better through some tough water," said McDaniel.
"It was the worst I've seen it this week, and we were taking on water. My feet were under water.... You put in so much effort, so it's upsetting."
The overall victory count still favors Cambridge - 73 wins for Oxford to 78 for Cambridge, with one draw.
Williams, who is president of the Oxford crew and was part of last year's win, is married to Buffy Williams, also a Canadian Olympic rowing medalist. The couple have a baby named Tavin Alexander Hammersmith. (Hammersmith after the bridge over the Thames of the same name, which was the point of this year's race that saw the crews in a very close race).