What does James Cracknell study at Cambridge University and is he rowing in the Boat Race against Oxford?

THERE will be at least one familiar face in the Cambridge boat when they face Oxford in the 2019 Boat Race.

James Cracknell, 46, won gold medals at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games and is set to become the oldest person to ever compete in the University showdown.

What does James Cracknell study at Cambridge?

THE Boat Race rules state that all competitors must be students of the university for which they race.

And that is the case for the former Olympic star Cracknell, who is currently studying for a Masters degree in philosophy at the University of Cambridge.

He began the course in September 2018 and attends Peterhouse College, reading an MPhil degree in human evolution.

The eldest competitor to ever race by over ten years, Cracknell is a full 25 years older than the majority of his team-mates – but is confident of still being able to keep up with the youngsters.

He told the BBC: “Compounded with studying as well, that’s the difference between a full-time athlete and a student athlete. You’ve got to combine the times you are resting with full-time studying.

“It makes it incredibly difficult. But it makes it more satisfying and draws the team together. I am enjoying it.

“As you get older, most endurance athletes, last longer, power athletes, they have a shorter career, but rowing is a power endurance sport.

“I have kept fit in terms of endurance but the power has taken a long time to get back.”