A rower from the Oxford team that lost a rowing race on Saturday complained of “poop in the water” and claimed illness caused by an E. coli outbreak played a role in their defeat.
Warnings have been issued ahead of this week’s rowing race over the extent of pollution in the Thames and the risks runners may face.
But the historic match went on, with Cambridge winning both the men’s and women’s matches on Saturday afternoon.
Later, Oxford University’s Leonard Jenkins told the BBC that “a couple of people on his team had serious E. Boat”.
He added: “But I stayed silent and it was my responsibility. I wasn’t sure if it was the right choice because I felt like I had nothing to give.”
“It would be nice if there wasn’t so much feces in the water.
“That’s not to take away from Cambridge because even if we were at our best we might not be able to beat them.”
Cambridge head to Chiswick Bridge in the lead. Image: PA
The Cambridge men’s team crosses the finish line. Image: PA
Cambridge men’s and women’s teams celebrate rowing victory. Image: PA
However, Jenkins’ teammate Will Denegri was more reluctant to blame the loss on team illness and water conditions.
He said: “We had three people have to miss meetings this week because of stomach bugs.
“I don’t know if it has anything to do with the E. coli in the river, but it certainly doesn’t help our campaign and it’s a poor excuse.
“That’s no excuse, but it definitely doesn’t help our preparation.”
Boat Race organizers said in a statement: “The Boat Race is aware that Leonard Jenkins’ comments regarding illness have affected their preparations this week.
“We are unable to speculate on the cause of this germ but we have contacted Oxford University Rowing Club to seek further clarification.”
“National disgrace”
Earlier this week it was revealed that high levels of E. coli, which can cause a range of serious infections and other side effects, were found on the rowing track.
Oxford coach Sean Bowden calls it “National disgrace”.
Campaign group Action Rivers said its tests showed the source of the contamination came from Thames Water Discharge sewage directly into rivers and their tributaries.
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Rowers were told not to enter or swallow the water and to take other precautions, such as covering scrapes with waterproof plasters.
The winning Cambridge women’s team heeded the warning and lifted their coxswain, Hannah Murphy, into the boat rather than throwing her into the water as is the tradition.
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Cambridge Women’s Chair Jenna Armstrong and Men’s Chair Sebastian Benzekry celebrated by lifting the trophy. Image: PA
Although Oxford started out as favorites, Cambridge continued their dominance in both the men’s and women’s competitions at the annual event.
The men’s team claimed their fifth trophy in six years, while the women’s team claimed their seventh title in a row.
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