I can’t stand elitism says swimming protester who halted Boat Race

Trenton Oldfield, 35, said he had been privately educated for four years but left and went to a state school because he “couldn’t stand the elitism”.

The contest between Oxford and Cambridge universities on Saturday was described as “possibly the most dramatic Boat Race in history” after the wet suit-clad swimmer was spotted in the vessels’ path.

The 158th race had to be restarted almost half an hour later, with the Cambridge crew going on to win.

Oldfield, who lives in a run-down block of flats in Myrdle Street, east London, has been charged with a public order offence and released on bail. He posted a series of messages on Twitter yesterday, saying: “With the severe deficit in democracy new sites of protest unfortunately have had to be found” and “if its jail time, so be it” (sic).

He added: “Still waiting for someone to show me when elitism (seeing oneself above another) hasn’t lead to oppression and tyranny?”

The drama of the race continued after the restart when a clash of oars led to Oxford crew member Hanno Wienhausen breaking his blade, allowing Cambridge to pull clear.

But celebrations were muted as Oxford bowman Alex Woods collapsed in his boat after crossing the finish line.

Crew member Roel Haen said Dr Woods, a 27-year-old Pembroke College student, had been released from hospital. He wrote on Twitter yesterday: “Our bow-man and hero Alex Woods was released from the hospital this morning and is doing well.”

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