Not by the Playbook - How to win the Boat Race

This time of year the banks of the River Thames in London are always filled with thousands of people. They line up to watch one of the oldest, hardest and most iconic rowing races in the world. The University Boat race. Crews representing the dark blue of Oxford take on the light blue of Cambridge in men's and women's races. So what does it take to win this gruelling event? Sophie Shapter knows, she was the cox of the winning Cambridge boat in 2018

Carol Waller played in goal for New Zealand in their inaugural match in 1975, but the real challenge was just getting the game. Carol tells Sportshour's Katie Smith about the barriers the women's team had to overcome to be recognised, and the important role she played on and off the pitch to grow the game in New Zealand. It's been a long journey for Carol and the Football Ferns, but now New Zealand is co-hosting the World Cup in July and she can't wait!

Marcus Smith II was a first round pick when he joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014. His NFL career continued to rise when he signed a lucrative contract with the Seattle Seahawks. It seemed Marcus had everything any footballer ever dreams of. But Marcus also had crippling anxiety, something he had suffered with since he was just 8 years old. Eventually it became too much for him to bear. After seeking help he was able to take a different path and is now helping others struggling with their mental health.

Photo: Cox Sophie Shapter (cap) celebrates race victory for Cambridge University Women's Boat Club in the The Cancer Research UK Women's Boat Race 2018 (CREDIT: Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

Published on Saturday, 25th March 2023.

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