First Defence
Webb returned home to New Zealand to a huge welcome. His first challenge came from Richard Tresidder, an Australian, and the usual £500 a side stake was agreed to. This race was set down for 25 February 1908 on the Whanganui River over a distance of about three and a quarter miles. This was the first race ever held in New Zealand for the World Championship and Webb crossed the line three lengths ahead, and in a time of 20m.28s to undisputedly be the Champion of the World.
The 1908 World Title race was commemorated in December 2008 when Olympic champion Olaf Tufte defeated three time World Champion Mahé Drysdale and wild card race winner Hamish Bond on New Zealand's Whanganui River to take home the $5000 cash prize. (source http://www.row2k.com/features/features.cfm?action=read&id=386). The race as since been competed for annually under the title of "The Billy Webb Challenge."
Read more about this topic: William Webb (rower)
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