Lauren Rowles MBE

Rio 2016 Paralympiad: 2013 – 2016

Lauren and Laurence Whiteley were once again selected in the trunk-arms mixed double scull for the 2016 season. Lauren’s A-level studies restricted them to just one international appearance before Rio but there was plenty of promise in their bronze and silver medals at the Gavirate International Regatta in Italy.

The hard work Lauren and Laurence put into training during the summer was clear to see on the Lagoa Rodridgo de Freitas as they set a new World Best time in their heat before storming to victory in the final to be crowned as Paralympic Champions.

They first teamed up during a remarkable debut at the 2015 World Championships in Aiguebelette. They only began training together in the summer after Lauren made the transition from athletics to rowing at the end of a year-long search by the GB Rowing Team para-rowing coaches for a trunk-arms mixed double scull partner for Laurence.

Despite their brief time together, Lauren and Laurence became the first GB crew to qualify for Rio 2016 as they won their repechage. They then went on to produce a fantastic performance in the final, winning silver as they finished just half-a-second behind Australia.

In February 2012 Lauren lost the use of her legs when she was diagnosed with a rare paralysing condition that developed overnight.  However, she was determined to maintain an active lifestyle and, after leaving hospital in July of that year, started searching for a para-sport.

She became a wheelchair track athlete and competed for England at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in the T53/54 1,500m.  She was also crowned England under-16s champion at 100m, 200m and 1,500m during 2014 and captained the Midlands at the UK School Games before turning to rowing.

Lauren is Lottery funded through UK Sport.