As an Athlete
Lightweight Women’s Double Scull:
- 2016 Rio Olympian
- 2015 European Champion
- 2015 World Silver Medalist
- 2015 Worlds Best Time Holder (Varese, World Cup II)
- 2014 World Cup Silver Medalist (Aiguebelette, World Cup II)
Lightweight Women’s Single Scull:
- 2016 National Title Holder in Olympic Trials
- 2014 4th (Belgrade, World Cup I)
- 2013 Henley Women’s Winner
View my British Rowing Profile
ABOUT ME
My Story
I’ve always believed that life is about experiences and gathering stories. Our lives are a narrative, and I’ve always felt that we should get to choose the plot.
This started from a young age. I grew up in a tiny village in Bedfordshire, and I was always curious about exploring the world and meeting new people. When I was 16, I took my first intrepid steps to South Africa on a charity project, and by 18 I had a round-the-world ticket to China, Thailand, New Zealand, and Australia.
Alongside my curiosity for the world, I’ve also always been fiercely competitive. I’ve competed in sports since I was little, first in gymnastics and then in swimming and running. I was always striving to find my best performance.
At university, I began cycling. It was here that I combined my love of physical activity with my curiosity for the world. I cycled solo and self-supported from Prague, into Austria, along the Danube to Hungary, up through Slovakia, and into Poland, finishing in Krakow.
It was an epic ride – physically and emotionally. It challenged me in ways I didn’t know possible, forced me to draw on reserves I didn’t know I had, and ultimately taught me more about myself than I had ever learned before.
I was so inspired by this that the following year I did a similar trip but in the Indian Himalayas – from Manali to Leh. This time, I was with a small group of other riders. We had to battle monsoon rains at the start of the ride and several ascents over 4,000 meters. This was a lesson in teamwork and in personal reserves. I pushed my body to limits I didn’t know I had.
After leaving university, I moved to London and wanted to use sports as a way of meeting people, keeping fit, and having fun. I was 25 when I joined Putney Town Rowing Club and immediately I found a new passion for a sport that completely sucked me in. My commitment and dedication to improving became an obsession, and it didn’t take long for me to start dreaming of national and international representation.
In 2012, at the age of 27, I competed in my first national trials. I didn’t make the team, but I was determined to keep going.
In 2014, I competed at my first European Championships, placing 4th in the lightweight single. By 2015, I had become European Champion, a World’s Best Time Holder, and World Silver Medalist. I was on top of the world, and I was determined to keep going.
In 2016, I competed at the Olympics. It was a dream come true, but it didn’t go as planned. We performed well below expectations, and I was devastated. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life.
The Olympics forced me to go on a journey of serious self-reflection and learning. I had to ask myself why I was rowing, and what I wanted to achieve. I realised that I wanted to use my experiences to help others.I wanted to be a coach.
In 2017, I began my professional coaching career, starting at Reading University Boat Club. I immediately felt like I had found my destiny. Coaching unlocked my passion for helping people, and it enabled me to use all of my life experiences, combined with my athletic experiences.
Where my passion and skill lies is in understanding people and their own stories. I love helping people to unlock their narratives and start writing the story they want to create. This has led me to the point I’m at today – starting my own online sports mindset coaching business to help people unlock their potential.
I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and I’m passionate about helping people to write their best story. I believe that sport is a powerful tool for personal growth, and I’m excited to use my skills and experiences to help others achieve their goals.
I hope that my story inspires you to go out and achieve your dreams. There’s no limit to what you can do if you set your mind to it.
