Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Angus Groom retires from GB Rowing Team

Angus Groom, winner of an historic silver medal in the men’s quad at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, is retiring from international rowing

Angus Groom, winner of an historic silver medal in the men’s quad at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is retiring from international rowing. Angus has been studying at Oxford University since returning from the Games and has decided to retire following a winning performance for Oxford in the 2022 Gemini Boat Race.

Angus began his international rowing career in 2010 at the World Rowing Junior Championships and competed in the men’s single sculls, men’s double sculls and men’s quad throughout a career that includes racing at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

“Ever since I started rowing back in 2005, it was my dream to represent Great Britain”

He has won two World Cup gold medals, two World Cup silver medals, a World Cup bronze and European championship bronze as well as the Tokyo silver medal.

Explaining his decision, Angus said: “Ever since I started rowing back in 2005, it was my dream to represent Great Britain. I thought my dream had come true when I first got selected for the J16 match vs France in 2008, and I would have no idea that my career with the GB Rowing Team would span 13 years, let alone take me to two Olympic Games.

“During that time I have met lifelong friends and it has been a privilege rowing alongside some of my heroes – something that not many people get to do. Rowing for Great Britain has become part of my identity and I will be forever grateful for all that it has given me.

“Before the Tokyo Olympics, realistically we thought a bronze medal was possible. To win a silver medal feels like we won the gold, so I feel that I have achieved all that I want to achieve within the sport.

“The decision to retire was not an easy one, but I am looking forward to exploring other opportunities in life. I am currently a student at the University of Oxford studying for a DPhil in Medical Sciences, and I am incredibly excited to start my new career as a research scientist. Being a GB rower will always be special to me and I can’t wait to cheer on the next generation of GB rowers.”

Paul Stannard, Men’s Olympic Head Coach for the GB Rowing Team, who worked closely with Angus throughout his career added: “Angus has been a valued member of the sculling team and his drive and determination to improve himself on a daily basis brought him his success in Tokyo.

“When he told me he was going to trial for the Boat Race, I’ll be honest and say that I wasn’t sure how he would fare, having predominantly sculled for much of his time in the sport, but I was extremely proud to see him cross the finish line in such style in the seven-seat for Oxford.”