Double Olympic Champion Helen Glover Returns to Rowing Inspired by Motherhood
Image Source: The Independent
Helen Glover, the double Olympic champion and mother of three, is set to make her comeback to international rowing in Britain’s world-beating women’s four, according to head coach Andrew Randell. After a difficult Olympics in Tokyo, the squad bounced back to the top of the medal table at the 2022 World Championships, and Glover’s return has sharpened minds in the buoyant squad. Although she has only ever raced in a pair internationally, Glover is likely to change that and compete in the women’s four, which won Britain’s third world title last summer.
Subject to the selection, Glover’s journey to Paris 2024 begins in May’s European Championships in Slovenia, followed by two World Cup events, and then the World Championships in Serbia in September, where boats can qualify for the Olympics. Glover has made it clear that she isn’t bothered by which boat she’s placed in – as long as it’s the top one. If Glover adds to her two golds from London 2012 and Rio 2016, she will become the first British mother of three to win an Olympic medal in any sport. The only mother to have represented Team GB in the sport of rowing, Glover has sparked a sensation with the announcement of her return to full-time training.
National media lined up for interviews, and the social media comments came in their thousands, but it was the response of her teammates that mattered most. “I want to be part of the talent that’s on the team now. It’s intimidating coming in and rowing with girls who’ve just come back from the World Championships and won gold,” said Glover. “I remember what it took to do that when I did it, and I desperately want to be in that boat with them as well. I’m coming in and seeing what this generation is doing and trying to get up to that level.”
Glover’s return is inspiring, as she pushes the boundaries and sets an example for mothers
everywhere who wish to pursue their passion and make a comeback. Her dedication and drive
prove that anything is possible, and women should never give up on their dreams.
Re-reported from the story originally published in The Independent
