Both Olympians, both Boat Race rookies, both born on 29 November 1996, Cambridge’s six seat, Claire Collins and Oxford stroke Heidi Long have led spookily similar lives. 

On 13 April, they took to the Thames with one aim, to beat each other. 

Boat Race Day marked the 15th time the two have battled each other in a boat. The last time was in the final for the Women’s Eight at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Bronze medallist Long joined Oxford in September, whilst Collins came from the States to Cambridge, both in pursuit of a long-term goal, to row in a Blue Boat.

Long explained: “I have always dreamed of doing The Boat Race. It’s been one of those big bucket list rowing races I’ve wanted to be a part of.

“I think I applied to Oxford as an undergrad back in 2014 which is 11 years ago now and I got rejected. It was sad but I was excited with the prospect of going to America instead.

“I was looking to apply again in 2019 when I was coming back from the States, but I didn’t end up going through with an application as I wanted to pursue rowing.

“So, it’s taken me 11 years and three attempts to finally get here. It’s so important to me.”

Collins added: “This was a bucket list item for me as a rower.

“Competing for Cambridge is very different to international racing. I think it’s a great year for me to have an adventure. That’s how I’m thinking about it. 

“I’ve rowed for a long time and The Boat Race is unlike any rowing experience I’ve had before.”

The rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge is intense and genuine, particularly on race day, but between these two there will also be respect.

Despite only meeting properly at this year’s President’s challenge, the two both confirmed they would be firm friends if they hadn’t always raced in different colours.

Collins said: “I’ve always respected Heidi as an athlete. She’s raced with some of my best friends. 

“The rowing world is tight, and I’ve been happy for all her success. 

“Lately, she has seemed to have more success so here’s hoping I can change that on Boat Race Day.”

Long added: “When we met, we got on immediately and I feel like we must be quite like-minded people to have gone through such a similar journey for the last 12 years.

“I feel like if we were on the same team, we would be friends. I have a lot of respect for her as an athlete.”

Both describe their Boat Race experience so far as a privilege and have enjoyed that for once the sport they both love is in the spotlight.

Collins commented: “The press attention has been way more elevated than even my Olympic experience. It’s fun to be part of it.

“The degree to which people love rowing in the UK is amazing. It surprised me how curious people are about The Boat Race. 

“As rowers we don’t do it for glory. We really don’t. 

“We spend a lot and a lot and a lot of hours just doing your training, and you don’t get to race very often so it’s a nice bonus to have the attention on rowing for once.”

Long agreed with Collins: “I think I’ve had more media attention in the last few months than I’ve ever had before, even after winning Olympic Bronze for GB”.