Oxford rower taken to hospital after collapsing at end of 2023 Boat Race
Oxford stroke Felix Drinkall was taken to hospital in an ambulance after collapsing at the end of the 2023 Boat Race.
Cambridge won the prestigious race on the River Thames on Sunday, securing an impressive double after the women's team had won earlier in the day.
Oxford had led early on but Cambridge fought back thanks to a bold move from Jasper Parish, to give themselves a half-length lead. A spirited late charge followed for Oxford but they couldn't quite do enough.
Drinkall was in visible distress as his teammates quickly rowed him to the side to receive medical attention. Teammate Tassilo von Mueller confirmed afterwards: "I don't know how Felix is. He wasn't great in the boat. I hope he is alright. It is not the result we wanted to come out with. It is a battle between two sides so one will lose."
Cambridge's celebrations were understandably subdued as a result with spectators concerned over Drinkall's condition.
Boat Race 2023 start time and TV info as Cambridge and Oxford battle it out
Ollie Boyne, the men's president of the Cambridge Boat Club, was thrilled as his crew returned to winning ways after last year's defeat. '"It has been an incredible performance by the crews, it is a great sign for the club," buoyant Boyne said.
"The conditions were really difficult but that was down to the tide and that it is what makes the race so special. It means everything to the guys and the team as a whole after sixth months of day in-day out work."
Cambridge's crew celebrate their victory (PA)In the women's race, Oxford had started on the front foot before both teams were given warnings by the umpire after the two boats almost collided.
Cambridge soon took control and stretched into the lead amid protests that they had encroached. However, the Oxford appeals were dismissed by the umpire.
Cambridge's win means they lead their rivals in both the men's and women's events. The male side has won 86 times to Oxford's 81 while the women have a lead of 47-30.
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