Sarah Marshall selected for Great Britain rowing team following Boat Race victory

MPhil-DPhil candidate Sarah Marshall has been selected for the Great Britain senior rowing team after helping Oxford secure its first Women’s Boat Race victory since 2016.

Sarah, who studies Economics at Nuffield College, raced in the seven seat of the Oxford Women’s Blue Boat in April. Oxford took an early lead and held its advantage through challenging conditions to claim a long-awaited victory.

The race was Sarah’s fourth Boat Race appearance and her first win.

“It was an honour to be part of this historic race and to have a result that reflected the hard work put in by the squad across many years,” Sarah said.

“This was my fourth time racing the Boat Race, and it is a privilege to be part of the event.”

Following the race, Sarah took part in trials for the Great Britain rowing team and was invited to join the senior squad.

She made her senior international debut at the first World Rowing Cup of the 2026 season in Seville at the end of May, competing in the women’s four. The crew reached the A-final and finished fourth.

Sarah has also been selected to represent Great Britain at the next World Rowing Cup in Lucerne, taking place from 26 to 28 June.

Alongside her training and competition schedule, Sarah is completing an MPhil-DPhil in Economics, with research interests in economic theory and applied microeconomics.

“I have really enjoyed being able to row alongside my studies,” she said. “The two complement each other well, and it is a privilege to have the opportunity to be part of the Boat Race alongside pursuing my research interests.”

Sarah also represented Great Britain at the 2025 World University Games, where she won gold in both the women’s four and women’s eight.

Her latest selection marks another exciting step in a remarkable year, both on the water and in her academic work at Oxford.

Photo credit: The Boat Race / AllMarkOne