Goodbye and gratitude to Lauren
Lauren Rowles OBE: A Legendary Paralympic Rowing Career Comes to an End
In a remarkable career spanning over two decades, British Paralympic rower Lauren Rowles OBE has announced her retirement from competitive rowing. The 32-year-old athlete, who has been a trailblazer in the sport, has left an indelible mark on the world of Paralympic rowing.
Rowles' journey began at the tender age of 14 when she started her career as an elite athlete. However, it was in 2015 that she transitioned from Athletics to Rowing, having been scouted by the GB Rowing Team. This shift proved to be a turning point in her life, leading her to become one of the most successful Paralympic rowers of all time.
Rowles' achievements are numerous. She holds the World, European, and Paralympic Champion titles in the PR2 Mixed Double sculls event. She is unbeaten since the World Rowing Championships in 2019 and also holds the World Best Time in this event. Her trophy cabinet includes three Paralympic gold medals, two World Championships, and three European Championships.
Despite facing near career-ending injuries and a global pandemic, Rowles' resilience and unparalleled talent shone through. She won her first major competitive race, a silver medal, at the 2015 World Rowing Championships, just five months after her first stroke. Her most recent win was at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games with her partner, Gregg Stevenson.
Rowles' partnerships in the boat have been just as significant as her individual achievements. She won her three Paralympic gold medals with two partners: Laurence Whitely at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Games, and Stevenson at the Paris 2024 Games.
GB Rowing Team Paralympic Head Coach, Nicola Benavente, has praised Rowles' dedication, resilience, and talent. In a statement, Benavente said, "Lauren has been an inspiration to us all. Her achievements speak for themselves, but it's her spirit and determination that have truly set her apart."
Rowles' awards are not just for her services to rowing but also for her contributions to the disability and LGBTQ+ community. She was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2016 and an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2025.
In her retirement, Rowles aims to challenge perceptions of disability, gender, and sexuality, and ensure greater inclusion for the next generation in sport. She continues to build her legacy through her work as an inclusion consultant and public figure within the disability & LGBTQ+ community.
As Rowles hangs up her rowing oars, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of athletes. Her dedication, resilience, and unparalleled talent have not only led to her success but have also paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse sporting landscape.
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