Oxford’s Michal Plotkowiak will make history on Saturday when he becomes the first oarsman from Poland to compete in the Boat Race.

The 25-year-old, who is studying for DPhil in bio-medical engineering at the Doctoral Training Centre in Oxford, was part of the Polish national squad that competed in the World Junior and World Under 23 Championships between 1999 and 2003, but today (Tuesday) described his place in Saturday’s 153rd boat race, sponsored by Xchanging, as the proudest moment of his rowing career.

“It’s pretty to nice to know that I am the first,” said Plotkowiak, who shaped up at a lean 94.8kg (14 st 13 lbs) at today’s weigh in at the Hurlingham Club in Putney, west London.

“There has been a lot of interest from Polish TV and the media in Poland, and that’s great. There is not a lot of interest in rowing in Poland, so maybe it will become more popular now I am in the race – and if we win, of course.”

Although Oxford are the underdogs, Plotkowiak is full of confidence, particularly after being moved from his previous position in the bow to seat three in a late shake-up of the crew by Oxford head coach Sean Bowden last week.

“We just wanted to see if we could go even faster,” said Plotkowiak. “We made a few changes to the positions and they’re good, it seems to work. We’re pretty confident and I’m very happy at seat three.”

Plotkowiak, who lived in Germany and Bristol before applying to study at Oxford, said he will be even happier if he can attract a few of London’s rapidly growing Polish community to the Thames-side on Saturday to support him.

“I hope they do come,” he said. “It would certainly be a boost for me and it would be great to know they’re there.”