On Saturday afternoon, for the first time in years I watched the University Boat Race and was privileged to witness one of the greatest sporting displays of sacrificing yourself for your team that I have ever seen.

The University Boat Race is an annual rowing race between Cambridge and Oxford University Boat Clubs that was first held in 1829 and has been held annually since 1856 with only the two world wars and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 preventing it from taking place.  The race is staged on the River Thames on a course covering a 4.2 mile stretch between Putney and Mortlake, a route that typically takes around 18 minutes of intense effort. 

Prior to this years race, 23 year old Matt Edge who rows in the stroke seat of the Cambridge boat and is studying for a Chemistry PHD, was asked about the impact rowing has on his mental and physical health.  He explained “It takes its toll, you don’t always feel as healthy as you are when you can hardly get through an afternoon without a nap and the stress of selection looms over you. But nothing I’ve found can bring peace to a busy Cambridge life like rowing can.”

After setting an incredible pace to put his team in a strong position during the first half of the race, it became clear that Edge was starting to pay the price for his efforts.  As the race entered its final 4 minutes, TV cameras picked up on the fact his head initially, then his shoulders were becoming increasingly slumped.  We could then see that his oar was barely breaking the surface of the water yet incredibly he continued to give whatever he had left to give as his Cambridge teammates renewed their effort to protect their lead, enacting a contingency plan hatched after a freak incident in a build up race

As the victorious crew crossed the line, Edge fell back into the lap of one of his teammates before being whisked away to receive medical attention. Fortunately he had recovered sufficiently to join the rest of the crew on the presentation platform.

So what lessons can we draw from Matt Edge’s epic display?

1. Commitment to the Team: Edge’s dedication to his team’s success was evident as he pushed through exhaustion, sacrificing his own well-being for the greater goal of winning the race. In business, employees who prioritise team success over personal gain contribute to a stronger, more cohesive work environment.
2. Leadership: As the stroke seat, Edge set the pace for his team and demonstrated leadership by maintaining his effort despite physical and mental fatigue. Effective leaders in business inspire and motivate their teams, even in challenging circumstances.
3. Resilience: Edge’s ability to persevere through adversity, despite obvious signs of fatigue, highlights the importance of resilience in achieving goals. In the face of setbacks or obstacles, resilient teams and individuals in business can adapt and continue to perform at a high level.
4. Preparedness and Adaptability: Edge and his teammates had a contingency plan in place, allowing them to adjust their strategy when needed. In business, being prepared for unexpected challenges and having the flexibility to adapt plans accordingly is crucial for success.
5. Support and Camaraderie: Edge’s teammates rallied around him, offering support and ensuring that they worked together to maintain their lead. In business, fostering a supportive and collaborative team culture leads to increased morale, productivity, and ultimately, success.

Overall, Edge’s performance serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and leadership in achieving collective goals, both in sports and in the business world.