James Robson

James started rowing late during his last year at Oundle School but his journey to the team began in earnest at Newcastle University. 

Angelo Savarino is probably the coach who had the greatest impact on his rowing career and in the 5 years he trained in Angelo’s programme he grew from a young inexperienced sportsman into an athlete.

The sessions on the Tyne are still some of James’ fondest memories of the sport because the club had such a strong sense of unity and togetherness. It was an environment of selflessness which really resonated with his personality.

After a successful time at NUBC, James joined Leander Club and relished the challenge of competing day in and day out with the amazingly talented athletes there. Matt Beechey was instrumental in his progression from a high performing club rower into the national team and since Tokyo, James has been a member of the GB squad. After the set-back of knee surgery and a tough rehab process James rejoined the squad and travelled to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as reserve.

Most recently he has taken some time out to study at Cambridge, where he won the 2025 Boat Race. In 2022 James was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation – when sufferers experience an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. Now he is committed to bringing awareness to the condition and to show people that anything is possible – that you can prove you can go out there and achieve your dreams.