John A. Russell

John Russell, known as “Jock” to his friends, was educated at Marlborough School and then went to Clare College, Cambridge in 1952 where he read sciences before changing to law. He had little rowing experience before university but in 1954 he helped Clare win the university lightweight fours. Despite this success, it seemed as if he would be overlooked for the Melbourne Olympics two years later. He was, however, bow to the Cambridge eight that won the 1956 Boat Race.

After Cambridge, Russell joined the Royal Navy and rowed in many events for them. One day in 1956 he was summoned by his captain and was worried he may have been on a charge. Russell was pleasantly surprised, however, when he was told that The Navy had received a request from the Amateur Rowing Association to release him to join the Great Britain eights for training at Henley for the forthcoming Olympics. Russell went to Melbourne where he rowed at No.7, but the crew was eliminated in the first round repêchage. Russell returned to his naval duties and also continued rowing for them.

After leaving The Navy, Russell spent a large part of his working life with British Petroleum (BP), mostly based in France. In retirement he was a keen gardener and, as a liveryman with the Salters’ Company, was a Freeman of the City of London