Oxford Full Blue awarded to St Cross MSc student at historic Varsity Athletics Match

St Cross MSC Jack Johnson competing in the Athletics Varsity Match

St Cross College is proud to celebrate the achievement of student Jack Johnson (MSc in Medical Physics with Radiobiology), who represented Oxford in the 150th Men's Varsity Athletics Match against Cambridge, held on Saturday, 17 May 2025, at Wilberforce Road, Cambridge. 

Jack competed in the Blues 5000m race, finishing third in the Blues race and fourth overall in the combined Blues and Seconds race. Earlier this year, he achieved a personal best of 14:36 in the 5000m, surpassing the Full Blue standard for Athletics. This accomplishment earned him a Full Blue, the highest sporting honour at the University of Oxford. 

The Varsity Athletics Match, first held in 1864, is one of the oldest inter-university athletic competitions in the world. This year's event marked significant milestones: the 150th Men's, 50th Women's, and 2nd Para Athletics Varsity Matches. The competition is unique in its format, with each university fielding four teams—men's and women's Blues and Seconds teams—and each event featuring two athletes from each university competing head-to-head. 

Earning a Full Blue is a prestigious recognition, awarded to athletes who not only compete in the Varsity Match but also meet specific performance standards during the academic year. Athletics is among the fourteen Full Blue sports at Oxford, making this honour particularly noteworthy. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jack on his outstanding performance and dedication to his sport.