Australian Expat Disrupts Historic Boat Race

In a bid to protest against elitism, Australian expat Trenton Oldfield swam into the path of rowers competing in the 158th Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race in the river Thames in London. 

Oldfield claimed responsibility for the stunt in his blog post ‘Elitism Leads to Tyranny.’ He said the protest was an act of civil disobedience and a methodology of resistance. 

Using tongue-in-cheek humor, he said that it was a peaceful protest and that he didn’t even bring any weapon. He said his only fear was not swimming quickly enough to position himself near the boats. 

The Metropolitan Police said Trenton Oldfield will face the Feltham Magistrates Court on April 23. He will be charged under Section 5 of the Public Order Act on grounds of harassment, alarm or distressed. 

The race saw the competition between England’s oldest universities, Oxford and Cambridge. It used to be an event for their undergraduates. Through the years, however, the race has become an international event with top-class rowers from around the world competing in it. 

Oldfield wore a black wetsuit when he swam in front of the two boats. He was also nearly hit. 

His appearance caused the organizers to stop the race on its eighth minute. The event resumed 30 minutes later and Cambridge was declared the winner. 

Adding to the drama, Oxford crew member Alex Woods suddenly collapsed. He was immediately brought to the medical for medical attention. 

Because of Oldfield’s protest and Wood’s collapse, the organizers decided not to push through with the traditional presentation ceremony.