Wherley set to fulfil last rowing ambition

MICHAEL WHERLEY admits he will fulfil his final rowing ambition when he becomes the oldest rower to take part in this year’s University Boat Race.

The 36-year-old American is a three-time World Championship winner and veteran of two Olympic Games but is excited about taking his seat in the Oxford boat on March 29 for the annual race.

He spent eight years as part of the American Olympic squad, competing in Sydney in 2000 and Athens four years later, and combined his training with a full-time job as a computer programmer for Dow Jones.

That background has helped him with the rigours of preparing for the Boat Race while undertaking a one-year MSc course in financial economics.

The unpredictable nature of the Thames has provided a different challenge for the legion of rowers from around the world who have converged on Oxford and Cambridge in recent years, but Wherley is enjoying the preparations on the Tideway.

“I’m excited to be taking part in this historic race. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but I didn’t have the opportunity before,” said Wherley, who celebrates his birthday on March 15.

“I’ve come to Oxford to extend my career opportunities and to have the chance to row in the Boat Race as well so it’s quite an exciting opportunity.

“A lot of my peers on the US team came over and did it and I heard all their stories and really wanted to do it myself.

“I started rowing on the Mississippi during my college days so I’m used to a big river but that’s not tidal. The tide is definitely new and something a little bit tricky which I haven’t had to deal with in the past.”

The way the quiet American giant has taken it all in his stride has impressed Oxford coach Sean Bowden who added: “Mike is Mr Consistent and the elder statesmen in the boat who has applied himself really well in his own quiet way.”