Karen Blixen - Isak Dinesen home

A contemporary student at Brasenose writes about Denys Finch Hatton's achievements at Oxford:

"Denys Finch Hatton won three golfing 'Blues' [during his university career] and Captained the University side against Cambridge in his final year...which probably explains his 'fourth' [a mediocre scholarly achievement in final university exams].

A 'Blue' is awarded to the elite group of athletes who represent Oxford or Cambridge in the 'Varsity match' - ie the annual game between the two universities. For example the annual boat race sees 8 people from each university earn rowing 'Blues.'

 A 'Blue' can be earned in one of 12 sports at the moment but is basically a mark of sporting excellence and many blues go onto become international athletes. In the past this was as much of a credit on the CV as a good degree, especially in the old boy networks of the city (London).

Denys earned 3 golfing 'Blues', by competing against Cambridge 3 years consecutively and the last as Captain of Oxford. Due to the time demands of playing a university sport most 'Blues' achieve mediocre degrees." [Private correspondence, July 25, 2002]