Sebastian Benzecry
Squads
Boat Race History
- 2021 – Cambridge Men’s Blue Boat
- 2022 – Cambridge Men’s Reserve Boat
- 2023 – Cambridge Men’s Blue Boat
About Sebastian:
Why did you choose PhD in Film and Screen Studies?
I’ve always loved film, and I started exploring film academically while at Princeton. When I saw that Cambridge offered an MPhil in Film and Screen Studies, I knew immediately that I wanted to be there.
Why did you first try rowing?
I got injured playing rugby and was looking to try a new sport.
Who introduced you to the sport of rowing?
Anthony Smith at St Paul’s School
Where else have you rowed?
Princeton University, London Rowing Club, Cambridge University
What are your proudest rowing achievements?
Winning the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup at Henley in 2015; winning the Boat Race in 2021 and 2023.
Do you have a favourite Boat Race? Which one and why?
For me, it would have to be the 2018 race. It’s the one I always go back to, just because Cambridge were such an impressive unit that year. One of my good friends from school, Freddie Davidson, stroked the boat, and he just sends down an unbelievable rhythm in that race. It’s a stacked lineup of a lot of former US college rowers, and they absolutely dominate Oxford. Incredibly impressive to watch.
What would winning The Boat Race mean to you?
Winning as President this year would be special for me. Having experienced the highs and lows of this amazing, unique race over the past three years, I think capping off my time at Cambridge with a win in my fourth year would be fantastic. More importantly, I want every Cambridge athlete to experience the absolute, unbridled joy that is winning The Boat Race.
