‘A really amazing opportunity’: Oriel represented in ‘prestigious’ Boat Race 2026 

Oriel College students Alex Sullivan and James Fetter have been selected to represent Oxford in the Boat Race 2026.  

Sullivan and Fetter have close to 20 years of rowing experience combined, but the magnitude of what awaits on Saturday 4 April isn’t lost on them.  

“I’m feeling nervous but I’m super excited,” said Sullivan. 

“It’s a really amazing opportunity and I’m just trying to focus on doing the things that will help the boat go the fastest at this point.” 

It’s a sentiment echoed by Fetter. 

“I’m definitely eager and nervous,” Fetter said. 

“Understanding how important this moment is for the university and the club, I’m just really excited and honoured to compete in such an historic event.” 

Sullivan and Fetter take us behind the scenes in their preparation for this year’s clash with Cambridge.  

Sullivan and Fetter were born in Australia and the United States of America respectively and have always been aware of the magnitude of the race on the Thames. 

“Oxford and Cambridge are the universities people know in Australia as two of the top universities in the world,” said Brisbane-born Sullivan. 

“I’d say a lot of universities in the US were actually modelled after these two schools,” said Fetter.  

“It’s really cool, especially being from California and the western-most part of the US, to come back to where it all began in terms of English academia and to be part of an amateur boat race but in many ways it feels like a professional event at the same time.” 

Sullivan is studying a DPhil in Engineering Science and having rowed since 2014 says the upcoming race will be a highlight.  

“This is by far the coolest and most important thing I’ve done [in my rowing career],” he said. 

It’s a similar story for Masters of Business Administration student Fetter, who labelled the event the most prestigious he’s been a part of.  

“Rowing is really a battle,” Fetter said. 

“From the outside it looks pretty but inside you know everyone is pushing their max and really struggling. 

“So to come out on top is just hugely gratifying.” 

Cambridge Men have won the last three meetings between the sides, while Oxford Women haven’t secured victory against their rivals since 2016.  

“I think winning it would be really monumental,” said Sullivan. 

“I think it’s always the first crew that gets it [a win] after that little bit of a stint, you’re remembered for a while.” 

“To kickstart the process would be really exciting and feel like you’re the beginning of a new generation for Oxford rowing,” said Fetter. 

The pair are also looking forward to representing the College in the summer eights in May and are full of appreciation for the backing they have received from Oriel ahead of the Boat Race. 

“The College has been very supportive with everything,” said Sullivan. 

“It’s the small flexibilities here and there that make a big difference to us of just making our lives work and just a touch less stressful.” 

“It’s great to have the support of the College,” agreed Fetter. 

“It feels like the College is invested in our outcome and it’s nice to have someone in your corner in that sense.” 

The 171^st Men’s Boat Race takes place on Saturday 4 April at 15:21. The 80^th Women’s Boat Race is on the same day at 14:21.