HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England – The Henley Royal Regatta delivered high-stakes racing and emotional finishes for Harvard crews on Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4, as the Varsity Four and Varsity Eight competed in two of the event's premier competitions.
On Thursday, the Varsity Four took to the water in the Prince Albert Challenge Cup. The lineup featured:
Facing the University of London, the crew held strong through the opening stretch, matching their opponents stroke for stroke. However, London managed to pull away in the second half, ultimately defeating Harvard by a boat length and three-quarters. With that result, the Varsity Four concluded their 2025 Henley campaign.
Friday's race saw Harvard's Varsity Eight enter the Ladies' Challenge Plate in a highly anticipated showdown. The lineup included:
They went head-to-head against a powerful composite crew from Thames Rowing Club and Leander Club. Despite a spirited and aggressive effort, Harvard fell short by just one boat length. In a dramatic twist, former Crimson teammates
Josh Brangan '26 and Gabe Obholzer '25, racing with the opposing boat, claimed the victory and advanced to the semi-finals—besting their current Harvard counterparts in a clash described by many as a "battle for the ages."
While the results did not favor Harvard, both crews demonstrated heart, grit, and sportsmanship on one of rowing's most iconic stages.
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