Proud Moment

I love the feeling of being proud of someone else, friends or family. I love that feeling of your chest swelling and a smile that nobody could take away from you. Today I am SO unbelievably proud of my little brother Ryan.

He is in England studying at Cambridge University and is a member of the prestigious crew team. They train over 40 hours a week, while attending classes.

All for what you might ask?  The Battle of the Blues – Cambridge vs. Oxford – that has been happening for over 150 years.

The idea for a rowing race between the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge came from two friends .

On 12 March 1829, Cambridge sent a challenge to Oxford and thus the tradition was born which has continued to the present day, where the loser of the previous year’s race challenges the opposition to a re-match.

The Modern Boat Race still runs along the same lines but has now become a major international sporting occasion drawing millions of viewers from around the world.

On Race Day up to 250,000 spectators crowd the banks of the Thames from Putney to Mortlake to witness the action.

Cambridge currently lead the series since 1829 by 79-74. Oxford won the 2008 Race.

And amazingly, my little brother will partake in this historic event TWICE in his lifetime.  He once again made the Blue (main) boat!

I had promised him last year that if he made it again I would be there.  So I am heading to London to watch him race over four miles on the most grueling course in the world.

The best is that over the next few weeks, news coverage on him picks up and I get to become prouder everyday.

What a great way to start the day!

The announcement of the crew teams for Oxford and Cambridge

(Ryan is in the middle of the guys in the light blue jackets.  This was taken during the “challenge to rematch” this morning)