'Farewell and thank you': Lauren Rowles announces retirement from rowing
The greatest Paralympic rower of all time is stepping away from the competitive sport
The greatest Paralympic rower of all time - Lauren Rowles OBE - has announced her retirement from the competitive sport, following an illustrious career which has shot her to the top of the podium in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Paris.
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.
'It's time for me to hang up my rowing blades'
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 before going on to wheelchair track racing, in which she represented England at the Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at the Junior World Championships.
It was 2015 when she took the plunge into the world of rowing - after being scouted by the GB Rowing Team.
Five months later, she went on to win solver in 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.
'Unparalleled talent'
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.
'Representing Great Britain has been the greatest honour of my life'
Sharing a full statement on Instagram, Lauren said: "Today, a year on from our historic win in Paris, I’m hanging up my blades for the last time and retiring from the sport I love.
"This sport came to me at a time when I felt completely lost, and it gave me the purpose I was searching for. For that, I’ll forever be grateful to those who gave me the opportunity to fulfil that potential. To Nick and Tom, my first coaches, thank you. You changed my life.
"The beautiful part about this sport is the people. I’m lucky that I got to row with two of the greatest to ever do it: Laurence and Gregg. Thank you for all the moments in that double. We’ve created the most incredible legacy in that boat, and I know we’re all so proud to be a part of it.
"I wouldn’t be where I am today without my village of family and friends who have sacrificed more than most to see me succeed. To my mom, thank you. Your sacrifices will never be enough because you’ve given more than anyone to see me shine. From the 4 am wake-ups to driving me 100 miles to training, and from looking over from the top of the podium to seeing your face in the stands, you’ve been there for it all. To the rest of my family and friends, I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. You consistently show up for me in ways I could never imagine, and for that, I’m so lucky.
"Finally, to my own little family who have been my inspiration in the later years of my career, thank you for being my purpose. Jude, you came into my life when I least expected it and turned it golden. You’ve been the person supporting my every stroke and move off the water, all while bringing our little boy into the world. Looking out from that podium in Paris to see both your faces in the stands was the highlight of my life.
"Representing Great Britain has been the greatest honour of my life. Being a part of a team that constantly strives to be better is a magical place to exist. Thank you to all the team at British Rowing. I can’t wait to become a fan and cheer you all on in the stands.
"This may be the end of this chapter, but it’s also the beginning of something new. So, never forget that what comes next will be marvellous."