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Long days, lucky outfits and 6,000 calories a day: how three Oxford Saïd students prepare for the Boat Race

Published

Over the Easter weekend, Oxford and Cambridge will take part in the 169th annual men’s Boat Race as the two battle in the world’s most iconic rowing race.

This year, three Saïd Business School students have won their place on the Oxford team, managing the significant demands of full-time study at Oxford, alongside competing in the world’s most iconic rowing race, over a gruelling four miles. 

Ahead of the Boat Race, Elias Kun, Harry Glenister and Luca Nadig spoke to us about their selections, superstitions and what their choice of breakfast will be to see them over the finish line on race day.

 

It has been a very special experience for me personally being part of such a driven group of people and such a historic club, and I am excited to see where the future rowing careers of my teammates may lead after this big race.

Luca Nadig

MSc in Financial Economics student

Elias Kun

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How does it feel to have been selected for the team?

‘I am super stoked to have been selected, it obviously took a lot of hard work (and the occasional late night) to balance rowing for Oxford University Boat Club and doing the MSc in Financial Economics but I look forward to rewarding myself and the rest of my crew on March 30th.’

How will you prepare on race day?

‘I’ll be having overnight oats for breakfast with some fruits and yoghurt. In terms of pre-race superstition, after winning a race, I tend to have to wear the same outfit for the next race again until I lose in that outfit. More race-day specific, I always have half a banana 90 minutes before the race, but never a full one.’

Harry Glenister

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With the race just days away, how do you feel?

‘After racing and training with Team GB for the past 6 years, I feel prepared and excited as we head towards the 2024 Oxford Vs Cambridge Boat Race. It is a privilege to have been chosen for this year's boat, and I strive to finish my rowing career on a high with such an iconic and historic race. The team is ready.’ 

How have you balanced your MBA with your training?

‘Balancing the demands of the MBA whilst training for the boat race has taken strong time management and commitment, and a lot of early mornings and evenings. I generally start my day at 5.45 am and come home at 7.30 pm, including 7 hours of lectures and two 2-hour training sessions. I am very fortunate to have such a strong support network of family and friends around me!’

How many calories do you eat a day?

‘Getting the calories in whilst training is always a challenge, as I typically eat 6000 calories a day. This consists of big bowls of chocolate Weetabix, bananas, malt loaf and the biggest serving sizes I can get at the counters at Saïd Business School.’

Luca Nadig

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How do you feel going into race week?

‘I am looking forward to the race. After six months of hard training and preparation I think that we are well equipped to face our opponents and deliver a competitive and hopefully entertaining race. It has been a very special experience for me personally being part of such a driven group of people and such a historic club and I am excited to see where the future rowing careers of my teammates may lead after this big race.’