Kingston’s Ben Myers admits he is struggling to ignore the hype ahead of this year’s University Boat Race after being named in Oxford’s crew for the historic event.

Myers will be the only undergraduate on parade when the race takes place on April 3.

And the 20-year-old former Kingston Grammar School pupil is thrilled by the prospect.

Myers said: “When you are at either of the universities you are made very aware that this is the only race that counts.

“We spend most of our time out of the spotlight and then suddenly you are the talk of the town.

“I had no real idea that I was going to be selected and then you find yourself part of history.

“The best way to try and approach it is to try to not be blinded by the stage and the tradition, but that is easier said than done.

“The atmosphere is very serious - this is the race that we have been training for and we will be doing our utmost to win it.”

Myers first began rowing as part of his school team.

And he reveals there was a pretty simple reason for him throwing himself headlong into a rowing career.

He added: “The simple truth is I was no good at any other sport.

“So I thought about giving rowing a go and I took to it straightaway.

“To be honest I was still pretty rubbish for the first year or so but I stuck at it and was captain by the time I left school.”

Myers then went on to represent Wales due to his mother.

And the Physics student reckons his parents will be just the tip of a hopeful horde cheering him on at the Thames.

Myers added: “I still live in Kingston so there are plenty of people who say they will be coming along to support me.

“It should be a really special day and I am really looking forward to it.

“But make no mistake we are in it to win it and we will be disappointed with anything else.”