Lauren Rowles MBE is a Paralympic gold medallist and motivational speaker, inspiring audiences with her story of resilience, determination and sporting success.
At the 2024 Paralympic Games, Lauren became the first three-time Paralympic gold medallist in rowing, winning gold in the PR2 mixed double sculls.
She entered the Games as the defending champion, having won gold in the PR2 Mixed Double Sculls at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
The early years:
Lauren’s remarkable journey began in 2012 at the age of 13, when she woke up one morning paralysed from the waist down.
She spent the following eight months in hospitals and rehabilitation units trying to regain the use of her legs. Despite being left physically impaired from Transverse Myelitis, Lauren was determined to fulfil her dream of becoming an Olympic athlete.
“Lauren made time to speak to everybody and we know how inspiring our staff found her story. Thanks so much for helping to make the evening a success.”
Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust
Inspired by the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Lauren began her career as an elite athlete at 14.
She quickly discovered a talent for wheelchair track racing and soon represented Great Britain internationally, including at the Commonwealth Games and Junior World Championships.
Lauren transitioned from Athletics to Rowing in 2015 after being scouted by the British Rowing Team and has gone from strength to strength ever since.
Paralympic Games:
Five months after she took her first stroke, Lauren won silver at the Senior World Rowing Championships and qualified for the 2016 Paralympic Games.
At 18, Lauren made her mark on the global sporting stage by winning a Paralympic gold medal in Rio.
She was later awarded an MBE in the 2016 New Year’s Honours List for her services to Rowing.
She has since been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year.
Inspirational Speaker:
Lauren Rowles is an experienced keynote speaker and offers a unique insight into her journey and sporting career.
Lauren is incredibly versatile and tailors her talks to the client’s needs.
Speaking topics include:
- Motivation
- Achieving your dreams and goals
- Teamwork and Leadership
- How to deal with the strains and joys of success
- Overcoming Adversity
