Three Cambridge University rowers have been barred from participating in this year's Boat Race because they do not hold degrees.

Matt Heywood, former Under-23 World Champion, Molly Foxell, and Kate Cowley were all disqualified from the races for men and women on the River Thames, on April 13,

An independent interpretation panel ruled, after an Oxford objection that the three Cambridge Rowers were PGCE and not degree students and were therefore ruled-out.

The Post-Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE), a non-degree qualification, is a higher level of education for people who want to enter the teaching profession.

Imogen Grant, an Olympic gold medalist who rows for Cambridge University, called the decision "very unfair".

BBC quoted Grant as saying: "PGCE students raced before -- it is written down." Grant won the lightweight double sculls in Paris 2024, and is a 3-time Boat Race winner with Cambridge. It's just the interpretation that has changed. It is unfair that the Boat Race is so close.

"It's upsetting to me because I think the Boat Race is a huge showcase and an age-old rivalry.

It only remains exciting if the crews are top-notch. We get bogged down by semantics. We want the best race. "Not quibbling about whether a degree is valid or not."

In recent years, Cambridge has dominated this event. They have won seven consecutive titles for women and five in the last six for men.

The Boat Race Company which manages the contest for the clubs expressed sympathy with any athlete who was disappointed by the crew selection.

A statement stated that "This is a highly competitive process, and there are strict eligibility criteria (publicly accessible) for those who wish to be considered for a position in a crew."

The criteria were jointly decided by both clubs without any involvement from third parties. Both clubs also agree on the existence of and ultimate authority over an independent interpretation panel that will provide rulings in any disputes or clarify rules when necessary. (Reporting and Editing by Toby Davis).

(source: Reuters)