Extra-Oardinary
WHAT GOES ON INSIDE the head of a Blues rower? What motivates someone to get up for all those early (and by 'early' I don't mean before noon to the historians reading this) mornings? Anybody who watched last year's boat race, correctly heralded as one of the most exciting in the famous fixture's history, will have some idea of the attraction.
Matt Smith has been rowing since he was 13, and before arriving at Oxford had become World Junior Championship. In 2000 he became the youngest ever person to win the boat race and last year he stroked the Dark Blues to the most exciting boat rice in living history. It only seems fitting that in his fourth year at Oxford he has been elevated to Club captain.
To all of us who can barely balance the hefty commitments of work and socialising, the grueeling schedule of a serious boatie defies belief. At the gym by seven every morning for an hour and a half erg, followed by a second hour and a half training session on the river every afternoon; yes every day of the week. And yet the Blues still manage to devote time to their degrees. Matt did not let on that work commitments posed much of a problem, in fact, of the last four presidents of the illustrious Boat Club, two left Oxford with firsts.
Matt asserted there is little scope for fun during the first two terms being a Blues rower; the hedonistic 'fun side' of student life apparently passes the Blues by. But abiding to all the strict discipline is a useful skill when revising for finals. Yet all the incessant hard work pays off when you are speeding down the Thames to the cheers of screaming fans on your way to securing a stunning victory over the Tabs. Smith's team will take confidene from last year's outstanding victory as they prepare for this year's race. Yet the President insists that the term are ultimately focused on this year's race and cannot afford to dwell on the past. With a title to defend; and a distinguished record to uphold, we wish the Blues well for the 6th April.
20th Feb 2003