LMH graduate student Heidi Long (2024, MSc in Women’s and Reproductive Health) was at Stroke in the Dark Blue boat as Oxford secured a decisive victory over Cambridge in the 80th Oxford and Cambridge Women’s Boat Race.
Heidi (centre with trophy) and the Oxford women's crew celebrating their Boat Race win
In blustery and choppy conditions on the Championship Course, Oxford made a blistering start from the Middlesex station and never let their pace drop, holding off Cambridge to win by 9.4 seconds. With Heidi at Stroke, the Oxford crew delivered a composed and cohesive performance, working together to reclaim the title for the first time in 10 years and secure Oxford’s 31st victory overall.
Reflecting on the experience of being part of the winning crew, Heidi said: “It was incredible!! I am so proud of this crew and this team. It is hard to fully capture the commitment, determination and grit that the whole of Oxford University Boat Club has shown throughout the year. They are an extraordinary group of people, and it has been a complete privilege to serve as President this year. To come away with a victory over Cambridge is an amazing feeling.”
Despite the challenging conditions, the crew delivered a highly disciplined race. “You never know how a race will unfold, but we focused on everything that we could control, and I felt we were well prepared for any conditions, side of the river or race scenario,” Heidi explained. “We did constantly adapt to the conditions and Cambridge’s moves, but our focus and commitment to the rhythm was unbreakable and I think that was one of our biggest strengths. Louis coxed an outstanding race and every athlete responded immediately to his calls, which meant we were all doing the same thing to make our boat go as fast as we could.”
Looking back on the performance and the result, Heidi highlighted the team effort involved. “I am incredibly proud of every single person in the boat and of our Head Coach Allan French. This crew has been amazing to be a part of. No matter what challenges or ideas we brought in throughout the season, we attacked everything with full intent and had a lot of fun at the same time.”
She added: “One of my favourite memories on Boat Race day was sharing our final words and a hug before walking the boat out into the crowds on the embankment. When the bay doors rose, I felt so confident and so excited to go and race with my crew. I knew we were ready and I couldn’t wait to get on the water. Another standout memory was our rhythm transition after the start. I loved the rhythm we had been creating all year and was really excited when Louis called the shift and we set our race pace.”
Congratulations to Heidi and the rest of the Oxford women’s crew on a memorable victory.
Photos courtesy of The Boat Race Company ltd.
The crew in action on the Tideway
Heidi before (left) and after (right) the race
