Three in a row: UCT Rowing triumphs

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Rowing Club has carved its name into the history books after clinching the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Boat Race title for the third year in a row – a feat unmatched since the 1980s in the early years of the prestigious 45-year-old competition.

Earlier this September, the men’s crew stormed to victory on the Kowie River in Port Alfred, adding another gold to the club’s growing legacy. It was a landmark achievement: before 2023, UCT Men had only won the event four times, with the last triumph dating back to 2001. Now, three successive wins – 2023, 2024, and 2025 – have set a new standard.

“For anyone who knows rowing history, this is huge,” said the club’s outgoing president, Oliver Kane-Smith, a final-year mechanical engineering student. “No one in the current crew had even been born when UCT last won in 2001. To break that drought, and then keep the streak alive for three years, has been incredibly special.”

“It wasn’t an overnight success. It was learning, building, and growing together.”

The breakthrough victory in 2023 was the result of years of steady progress. In Kane-Smith’s first year at UCT, the crew finished third. The following year, they climbed to second place. Then came the long-awaited win.

“That journey – third, second, then first – says a lot about the club’s resilience,” he reflected. “It wasn’t an overnight success. It was learning, building, and growing together.”

The streak since then has not only boosted morale within the club but also re-energised its alumni network. “Winning is rare. So, when alumni see us doing this, they know the hard work behind it. Their support and pride have meant so much.”

Winning as students first

The secret to UCT’s dominance, Kane-Smith explained, lies in balance. Unlike professional crews, student athletes must split their time between demanding degrees, training, and everyday life.

“What we’ve done well is become excellent amateurs,” he said. “We know our limits. We don’t train like professionals because we can’t – academics and mental health come first. But within those boundaries, we maximise everything. That’s been the difference.”

This approach has allowed the team to sustain high performance without burning out. “If someone has a big project due, we adapt. Because a stressed rower won’t perform at their best anyway. That flexibility keeps us competitive while making sure we still succeed academically.”

Success has come despite financial constraints. “We do get some assistance from the university, but rowing is expensive, and budgets are tight,” Kane-Smith admitted.

The club has responded with a long-standing novice programme, designed to make rowing accessible to newcomers. “We try to keep costs down – I’d say lower than most other universities. It’s not easy, but we pride ourselves on being inclusive.”

Still, the financial squeeze is real. Budgets haven’t increased in five years, while costs – especially after COVID-19 – have climbed sharply. “It’s tough, but we have a strong committee, and a lot of institutional knowledge helps us cope. We’ve learned to be resourceful.”

A shared triumph

While the men’s team has grabbed headlines, the women’s side is also on the rise, finishing second this year despite beginning the season with limited numbers. “Their growth has been phenomenal,” he said. “It shows the club’s depth and what’s possible in the years ahead.”

For Kane-Smith personally, the Boat Race victories represent both closure and legacy. “It’s my last year, and to leave with three consecutive titles feels surreal. I stand on the shoulders of everyone who came before me – this is a club effort across generations.”

The outgoing president is confident UCT Rowing’s momentum will continue. “I’ve had my time, and now it’s time for change. But I don’t see this success slowing down. History shows the club goes through cycles, and all it takes is a few passionate people to drive it forward. Right now, the passion is strong.”

Evidence of UCT’s growing stature came earlier this year when rower Stefan Breytenbach represented South Africa at the World Student Games in Germany. “That shows the talent coming out of UCT Rowing,” he said.

For all the silverware, the real victory lies in the values the club has built: resilience, balance, and community. “Rowing has taught me discipline and how to work within limits to achieve something extraordinary. Those lessons go beyond the sport. They’ll shape how I approach life.”