OLYMPIC gold medallist Tim Foster has agreed to speak at a dinner after the recreation of the 1944 University Boat Race in Ely next February.
One of the legendary Fab Four from Sydney 2000, he was approached by Cambridge University Boat Club manager Dick Pryce-Jones in the July sunshine at Henley.
He initially shivered at the thought of a wintry Queen Adelaide - the scene of the war-time race and a stretch of water where Tim coached Great Britain crews last year.
But he agreed to come along and confirmed his interest while commentating at the FISA World Rowing Championships in Milan at the end of August.
The dinner, hosted by Cambridge rowing stalwart and former Lord Lieutenant James Crowden, will be held in the Monastic Barn at The King's School on February 28.
This is the date set for veteran crews from Oxford and Cambridge to battle over one and a half miles from the River Lark to Queen Adelaide bridge - watched by some of those who took part in the original race among what is hoped will be a big crowd of spectators.
All the survivors have been traced by Diamond 44, a group set up by Cllr Jack Waterfall and Terry Overall to commemorate the only Boat Race rowed away from the Thames - just before the 150th encounter on the Tideway.
A third race is also planned between replicas of the original craft used in the first event in 1829.
"We're delighted that Tim Foster has agreed to support the event," said Cllr Waterfall, recalling how the 33-year-old blond oarsman became a national hero when he battled back from injury to row for gold with Steve Redgrave, Matthew Pinsent and James Cracknell three years ago.
"We've also been given a lot of local help and backing for what promises to be a magnificent occasion," added Cllr Waterfall, who promises more interesting developments and revelations in the run-up to the big day.
Published in the Ely Standard of September 19, 2003
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