Farewell and thank you Lauren
Lauren Rowles OBE, the greatest Paralympic rower of all time, to retire
The greatest Paralympic rower of all time, Lauren Rowles OBE, is stepping away from competitive rowing. After an illustrious career that has captivated sports fans worldwide, her decision marks the end of an extraordinary era in the sport. She leaves as the only athlete in the world to win three Paralympic gold medals for rowing. Unbeaten since the World Rowing Championships in 2019, she is also a two-time World Champion and three-time European Champion.
Among her many triumphs, Lauren’s most notable achievements include becoming PR2 mixed double sculls Paralympic Champion at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games with Laurence Whiteley and then again at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games with Gregg Stevenson. The win in Paris cemented her status as the most successful Paralympic rower of all time.
Commenting on her retirement, Lauren said: “After more than a decade representing Great Britain, it’s time for me to hang up my rowing blades and move away from the water. From my first strokes in a boat, rowing has changed my life in countless ways. It’s given me a decade of unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and the honour of wearing the GB vest.
“Becoming the most successful para rower in the sport’s history was something I could never have dreamed of when I first sat in a boat, and it’s a testament to the incredible teammates, coaches, and support staff who have been there throughout all the highs and lows to make the magic moments happen. While this chapter in my life closes, my passion for the sport and pride in what we’ve achieved together will forever remain. I want to say thank you to the team and all those who have supported us from the stands, I can’t wait to join you to cheer on the next generation to come.”
Lauren began her career as an elite athlete aged just 14 after she was inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. She quickly found a talent in wheelchair track racing and she soon represented England at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at the Junior World Championships. She transitioned from Athletics to Rowing in 2015 after being scouted by the GB Rowing Team and went from strength to strength finding a natural talent in the sport. Five months after she took her first stroke, Lauren won a silver medal in her first major competitive race, at the 2015 World Rowing Championships.
Since then, Lauren created history by becoming the first ever female to hold World, European & Paralympic Champion titles and the World Best Time in the PR2 Mixed Double sculls event despite facing near career ending injuries and a global pandemic along the way.
Now, Lauren continues to build her legacy through her work as an inclusion consultant and public figure within the disability & LGBTQ+ community, together with her partner Paralympic basketball player, Jude Hamer. Lauren’s goal is to challenge perceptions of disability, gender and sexuality whilst ensuring that there is greater inclusion for the next generation in sport.
GB Rowing Team Paralympic Head Coach, Nicola Benavente said: “Congratulations to Lauren on her amazing career. Her journey in the world of Paralympic rowing has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her dedication, resilience, and unparalleled talent have set a new standard for the sport. Her achievements include numerous gold medals and record-breaking performances, solidifying her legacy as a true icon. Beyond her remarkable success on the water, Lauren has been an incredible ambassador for Paralympic sport, inspiring countless individuals with her unwavering spirit and commitment to excellence. We will miss her contribution to the team and wish her well for the future. I am sure she will excel in whatever comes next.”
Lauren was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 New Year’s Honours List and an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List for her services to Rowing, disability & the LGBTQ+ community.
