Helen Glover, Olympic Champion, Inspires Future Mothers in Elite Sports

Double Olympic rowing champion, Helen Glover, has her sights set on competing at the Paris Olympics next year, after reversing her decision to retire following the birth of her twins. Glover, who won gold medals in the coxless pair event at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, finished fourth in the delayed Tokyo Games just a year after giving birth to her children.

Glover’s decision to qualify for her fourth Olympics is fueled by her desire to normalize the participation of returning mothers at the top level of elite sports. She believes that women should be given equal opportunities in the workplace and that this includes women in sports.

The rowing champion credits her husband, television presenter Steve Backshall, with reigniting her passion for competing after encouraging her to participate in the beach rowing World Championships in Wales in October. Glover sees her return to sports as a chance to inspire other mothers and to be the best mom she can be.

Glover’s journey toward the Olympics is not an easy one, as she faces significant hurdles to qualify for the games. She is set to participate in the European Championships in Slovenia in May, followed by two World Cups before the World Championships in Belgrade in September, which double as the Great Britain selection races.

For Glover, this is a chance to compete in front of her children and to inspire future generations of mothers in elite sports is worth the challenge. She hopes that her journey will encourage more women to pursue their dreams, even as mothers.

Staff Reporter