Oxford v. Cambridge Boat Race: Swimmer halts contest, bowman collapses at finish line

[muriel_volestrangler]

(The race may not mean much to Americans, I suppose, but it's one of the oldest sporting contests in the world - started in 1829).

The Oxford and Cambridge boats were side by side after 10 minutes and 30 seconds when the sight of a man in the river forced them to stop.

The swimmer was picked up by a police boat and later arrested on suspicion of a public order offence.

After a 31-minute delay, the race was re-started at the halfway point.

Cambridge went on to win with ease after Oxford broke an oar in a clash moments after the resumption but the drama continued after the race.

Oxford bowman Dr Alex Woods collapsed in the boat after they crossed the line and was transferred to the race launch for medical treatment, before being taken to Charing Cross Hospital. His condition is described as stable.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rowing/17645929

Pictures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17646548

He was very close to getting killed - he ducked just as the Oxford blades came up to him. He was 'protesting against elitism'.

[taterguy]

1. You're right. It means nothing to Americans

But the story is kind of cool so thanks for posting it.

[MaineDem]

2. I've been looking forward to this race

I just finished a book about the race and was looking forward to watching this online. What a shame about the disruptor and the injured bowman.

[Gibby]

3. Occupy the River?

This kind of stuff -- if it starts a trend - could mess up a lot of sports contests and piss a lot of people off

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. One guy did it twice, a few years ago

In 2004, defrocked Irish priest Neil Horan attacked Brazilian marathon runner Vanderlei de Lima about two miles from the end of the Olympic marathon race in Athens.

A year earlier he ran onto the track during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16204503

With the Olympics coming up, people are getting worried about this in London. The marathon is the obvious target, along with a few other events that have to go out into the general city (like bike road races).