Former King’s Student Victorious in Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race

OV Luke Beever (S 15-22), is celebrating after his crew secured a thrilling win in the iconic Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race last weekend.

The Cambridge crew dominated the race from an early stage, going on to win by more than 16 seconds, and an incredible 5.5 lengths. The victory gives Cambridge their third successive win and a sixth in seven contests.

Having previously represented Cambridge Boat Club in their winning reserve crew, Goldie, in 2023 and 2024, this year Luke took up his position in the Blue boat amongst Olympians and international athletes.

The victory is all the more impressive for Luke, 20, who was the youngest rower in both boats and one of only two undergraduates taking part in the race.

Luke, who attended King’s Hawford Prep School and then King’s Worcester, started his rowing journey at King’s. He went on to become the School’s captain of boats as well as playing in the King’s1^st XV rugby team.

Following the victory, Luke said, “I’m lost for words, I’m still just trying to come to terms with what’s happened. It was a big sense of relief; we’ve been training so hard and working so hard, and finally it paid off. With nearly half the race done, we really started to get away from them. We felt almost unstoppable. It was incredible.”

“Winning the Boat Race has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. To have finally accomplished that is an indescribable feeling. I am so proud of what we have achieved as a team and as a boat, and I will cherish these memories and days for the rest of my life.”

King’s Worcester, Head of Rowing, Jim Chalmers, said, “The King’s community is so proud of Luke for this incredible achievement. He showed an outstanding commitment to rowing while at King’s Worcester, and his hard work and exceptional talent was clear for all to see yesterday. Congratulations to Luke and his crew mates on this well-deserved victory.”

Feature Photo Credit: Nordin Catic