Two Kingston Grammar School (KGS) alumni will take part in the Boat Race this Sunday (April 7).

Issy Dodds and James Cracknell OBE will row in the women's and men's races respectively.

Both are KGS alumni and will span the historic divide between the two renowned university cities — Ms Dodds will row for Oxford University Women's crew while Mr Cracknell takes a place on the Cambridge Men's boat in the other race.

Ms Dodds is studying for a DPhil in Bioscience at Hertford College, Oxford.

She learnt to row at Kingston Grammar School Boat Club (KGSBC), representing Team GB against France as a J16.

Mr Cracknell also learnt his trade with KGSBC, and represented Great Britain at two Junior World Championships, winning Gold in his final year at KGS.

He then went on to win Olympic Gold alongside Steve Redgrave at both Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004).

At the age of 46, Mr Cracknell will also make history, becoming the event’s oldest ever rower in the race's remarkable 190-year run.

Mr Cracknell retired from elite rowing in 2006 but qualified because he is studying for a Master of Philosophy degree in human evolution at the University.

KGS Director of Rowing, Ed Green, said the KGSBC were proud of their representation in the world-famous race and praised both athletes ahead of the events on Sunday.

Mr Green said: "We are proud of our thriving rowing legacy at Kingston Grammar School and for James Cracknell, who attended KGS almost thirty years ago, to be selected to row for the Cambridge crew is a tribute to a quite remarkable athlete.

"The same can be said for Issy Dodds who is representing Oxford in the women’s race - what another incredible achievement. We wish them both the very best of luck!"

The women’s Oxford v Cambridge Boat Race will take place on Sunday 7th April 2019 at 2.13pm with the men following at 3.10pm.