Helen Glover MBE

Helen Glover is one of the most decorated athletes in the GB Rowing Team having won two gold medals at the Olympics and being crowned both World and European Champion three times. Along with her teammate Heather Stanning, she wrote herself into the history books by winning Team GB’s first gold medal at London 2012 and becoming the first British oarswomen ever to claim gold.

Although a promising sportswoman from an early age, competing in international cross countries and training with the England hockey squad, she didn’t take up rowing until she was twenty-two. After being spotted by the Sporting Giants recruitment scheme she began training, alongside working as a teacher. She quickly made progress and after gaining lottery funding she teamed up with Heather and began to train full time. The pair headed to the 2021 Olympics with an unbeaten record in the World Cup series and their winning streak continued into the 2106 Rio Olympics. Helen remains undefeated internationally and holds the World Record in the women’s pairs category. After stepping back from competitive racing to race her children, Helen returned to the GB Rowing Team for the Tokyo Olympics becoming the first mother to compete in the sport.

Each of her wins demonstrates her power and determination and exemplifies the idea that hard work breeds success. She shares how her meticulous planning and her commitment to leave no stone unturned played significant importance in her victories. 

Away from rowing, she has entered and won the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster ultra-endurance kayak race, qualified for the Ironman World Championships in Cape Town and appeared in a BBC World series about Japan with her husband, environmentalist Steve Backshall.