The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race stands as one of the most prestigious and enduring sporting rivalries between the universities: a test of endurance, teamwork, and sheer willpower. In 2025, anticipation is at an all-time high, with both crews preparing to battle once more, and all eyes are on the athletes who will define this year’s race, among them the Oxford Women’s President, Annie Anezakis.
Scheduled for 13 April, this year’s Boat Race promises to be an exciting contest. The rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge has shifted in recent years, with Cambridge securing a dominant streak in the women’s race, winning consecutively since 2017.
The Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, however, has always been about more than just sport. The women’s race was first held in 1927 but has only been contested on the same course as the men’s since 2015. This year also marks a new development; it is the first time that a woman, Sarah Winckless, has been appointed as the umpire for the Men’s Boat Race.
To understand Oxford’s mindset heading into the race, The Oxford Blue sat down with Annie to discuss the challenges of a student-athlete regime and her thoughts on Oxford’s chances against Cambridge.
Annie described how “rowing here is very different” compared to Princeton, where she completed her undergrad. “At Princeton, the university is very much set up to support athletes…they are so supportive of how athletics makes you a better student.” However, when she arrived at Oxford, there was “not much cohesion between academics and rowing”, with her tutors saying, “you have to be at school all the time” and the rowing club saying, “you can skip a lecture.”
Time management has been a key success factor for Annie: “The time I have outside of rowing, I have to study. Rowing doesn’t leave much time for procrastination.” Annie went on to explain that “when I talk to undergrads struggling with school work, my finishing line is always ‘everything gets done in the end.’ I don’t know how, but everything gets done.”
Clearly this has helped Annie lead Oxford’s Women into the Boat Race. Throughout her presidency, Annie has “led by example” and used the role “to step on my own training and performance.”
Having completed 13 seasons, Annie shared how she has “learnt that you have to have fun with it and enjoy the challenge.” Rowing is a hard sport, especially coupled with academics at Oxford, and Annie reminisced on a saying of one of her teammates back home in Australia: “I will row until the day I no longer have fun doing it.”
When asked about what imprint she wanted to leave, Annie replied that “if I can leave the club in a better place than it was, then that’s job done for me.” Annie shared that the whole squad, both men and women, have had many meetings about their “collective why: why we want to row for Oxford, why we want to be here.” Ultimately, it is to win the Boat Race. However, Annie emphasised “how much you get from being part of the club.” For Oxford’s Women, the journey is just as important.
As President, Annie shared that “it’s a lot of responsibility…when things go wrong, I tend to take that on to myself personally, even though I know rowing is a team sport.” Despite this, going into the race this year, Annie is trying not to put too much pressure on herself.
When asked about predictions, Annie replied that it’s something she’s avoiding making but that they know that Cambridge will be very strong this year. A tight race can be expected, “but I really believe in the squad this year.” “I think everyone will step up to the challenge, which is what I’m most excited for.”
A “bloodbath of a battle” is how Annie described the impending race. She excitedly said that “I want to say Oxford will win everything”, but that the team had to be realistic and focus on training now.
Annie discussed the “competitive” day-to-day environment in training as selections for the Boat Race happen. “You know you’re up against your teammates. But there’s never any animosity…even if your best mate could take your seat one day.” Annie described that everyone wants Oxford to win, and so if a decision is made that will ultimately make the boat go faster, then it might take “a little bit to stomach and get over it”, but everyone is there for each other.
This year, the team has a “pack mentality,” and Annie shared how it’s a very supportive environment. Right now, they have a saying on the team “of being a driver, not a passenger.” Annie has cultivated a team that “puts themselves out there, takes risks, and pushes themselves.”
So, with weeks to go until the race, the anticipation is clear. For Oxford’s Women, this is more than just a race—it is a chance to reclaim their place at the top. As the crews prepare to launch from the starting line at Putney, the only certainty is that history will be made once again on the Thames.