How I Started
I originally started in swimming competing in national races, I was swimming until the age of 20, but I was involved in an accident that put me out for around nine months. I returned to swimming after to compete in national, but with my injuries, it became more and more difficult to train and compete and so in my second year of university I made the switch from Swimming to Rowing.
I enjoyed the first sessions, especially being outside as opposed to in a swimming pool! The most challenging part of switching to Rowing was adjusting my core strength and back. Because of this change, I had to make baby steps to begin building my core and back strength. I actually ended up with a bad back as a result of it!
My Greatest Achievement
My greatest achievement is winning the Henley Royal Regatta, I was actually told I wouldn’t be able to win because I am a woman! I proved them wrong and won the most prestigious British rowing event on the calendar!
I was selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in February 2021, this was difficult in the cold winter air as we perform outside on the water. I remember receiving the email and being relieved because they had named me as being in the boat, but receiving the email and knowing that I had been selected took a massive weight off my shoulders.
I was incredibly relaxed when I sat at the start line because I knew that I was an Olympian. Through all of the daily COVID testing, the selection processes and training I had made it and was ready to compete!
My Greatest Challenge
The greatest challenge I have faced in my career has been overcoming several injuries, but in particular, the past year has been difficult as I have been looking to improve my performance, especially as I have suffered from EILO (Exercise-Induced Laryngeal Obstruction) which was difficult to diagnose at first as I believed I was suffering with Asthma, but upon seeing a specialist and understanding my condition better I was able to have surgery which has eliminated the struggles I was having!
My Hobbies
I am happy to watch any sport, but I love Cycling and Formula 1. I recently bought a van and am in the midst of furnishing it so I can explore the United Kingdom and beyond in my time off!
My Future goals
In the future, I am excited to travel across Europe in my van, and I am also looking to go into work in public health using my master's degree.