Alexander Guttenplan
Alexander Guttenplan | |
|---|---|
| Born | 08/06/1990 |
| Nationality |  British and  American |
| Known for | University Challenge 2010 series, captain of winning team (Emmanuel College, Cambridge) |
Alexander Guttenplan (b. 8th June 1990) is a student of natural sciences at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, known as the captain of the team that won University Challenge in 2010, scoring 315 points to 100 against St. John's College, Oxford. His performance in this has been compared with that of Gail Trimble. He also 'got the better' of presenter Jeremy Paxman, in an exchange which became an internet sensation.[1] However in reality, it was more of an agreement with Paxman, and was overhyped by the media. He has hundreds of fans who call themselves Guttenfans, "Guys want to be him, girls want to be with him!".[2] He also takes part in a special edition of Only Connect, leading a team from University Challenge against the champions of the first series of Only Connect, the Crossworders.[3]
Guttenplan is from a Jewish[4] and Greek family. His father is of U.S. Jewish origin, and mother from Greece: both are writers, D. D. Guttenplan and Maria Margaronis. He has two siblings, Zoe and Theo. He was educated at Westminster School and his hobbies include ceilidh, sailing, rowing and science fiction. He is the chairbeing of the Cambridge University Science Fiction Society.[5]
References
- ^ Jeremy Paxman clash student in University Challenge win, BBC, 5 April 2010
- ^ Rashid Razaq (29 March 2010), "No guesses why University Challenge whizz is a huge internet hit", Evening Standard, found at this location, accessed June 22, 2010
{{citation}}: External link in|journal=|journal=(help) - ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00xjrr9
- ^ "University Challenge: Amit versus Guttenplan", Jewish Chronicle
- ^ Tom Peck (3rd April, 2010), "Your starter for 10...Where is the student who taught politicians how to handle Paxman?", The Independent
{{citation}}: Check date values in:|date=(help); Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help)