Oxford rower Felix Drinkall was rushed to hospital after collapsing towards the end of the 2023 Boat Race. Drinkall was seen clearly in distress before collapsing during the event on the River Thames.
The rower reportedly collapsed in his boat and his team rowed to the side of the river so their colleague could receive urgent medical attention. It has been confirmed that Drinkall was conscious after the race.
Team-mate Tossilo von Meuller confirmed Drinkall was awake as he was taken away by paramedics. The race continued to its end, with Cambridge winning the prestigious race.
Drinkall could be seen looking exhausted and barely able to hold his oar before dropping to the ground. It was clear that he needed medical attention.
Von Meuller had to be reassured on the BBC’s live coverage that his friend was okay. Interview by presenter Sue Barker, the Oxford president said: “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…”
Barker interjected to say: “We are hearing that Felix is recovering, we will give you an update when we know it.”
Oxford had fallen behind Cambridge in the race and struggled to chase their rivals. It ended with Cambridge leaping into a six-second lead.
Cambridge’s celebrations were understandably subdued. Spectators were clearly concerned about the condition of Drinkall as he was led away on a stretcher by paramedics.
Ollie Boyne, the men’s president of the Cambridge Boat Club, was thrilled as he responded to his team’s triumph. “It has been an incredible performance by the crews, it is a great sign for the club,” he 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.”
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