Heidi Long

Heidi is an Olympic bronze medallist, researcher, and is passionate about women’s health and sport. 

Heidi was part of the Women’s Eight that won bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Her rowing journey started at Marlow Rowing Club, where she was part of a determined junior women’s squad that achieved multiple national titles. She received a scholarship to study at the University of Virginia, where she captained the women’s rowing team and gained a deeper understanding of the transformational power of sport for women.

After graduating, she returned to the UK and joined Leander Club with the ambition of racing for Great Britain. She made her senior debut in 2019 and went on to become a European and World Champion in the Women’s Four in 2022. Throughout the Paris Olympic cycle, she raced in both the Four and the Eight, culminating in her Olympic success.

Beyond rowing, Heidi is dedicated to advancing women’s health. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Women’s and Reproductive Health at the University of Oxford, where her research explores the potential impact of ultra-processed food (UPF) on female fertility. With nearly 60% of adult calories in the UK coming from UPFs, and infertility rates rising alongside this trend, Heidi is committed to raising awareness and supporting efforts to reduce UPF consumption for the benefit of long-term health (Credit: Ermisch, J et al., Demographic Research, 2021, 45, 903-916 & Rauber, F et al., BMJ Open, 2019, 9).

Heidi credits her family as her greatest source of inspiration and strength. From her brothers, who have trained alongside, to her extended family and friends who have cheered her on from around the world, their unwavering belief in her has been the foundation of her success. Among them, her late father holds a special place in her heart, his belief and final encouragement to secure Olympic tickets remains a lasting reminder of the power of believing in the impossible.

Passionate about giving back to the sport that has shaped her life, Heidi is dedicated to encouraging more women and girls to experience the joy and opportunity that rowing can bring. She strives to create environments where everyone feels empowered to give their best and achieve beyond what they thought possible.