British Rowing Has A Plan

GB Rowing, the national governing body of rowing for Great Britain, has announced a two-year strategic plan to guide the association and its work for the next two years through the LA2028 Olympic Games.

“Throughout my first six months in the role, it has been a pleasure to meet so many members of the rowing community,” said Tom Solesbury, British Rowing’s new CEO, who was hired last spring.

“Every conversation I’ve had since March has inspired confidence that the future of British Rowing is strong, and I can’t wait to see the sport grow and flourish as the strategy takes flight.”

For most of this century, Great Britain has been at or near the top of the rowing-medal tables at the Olympics and World Rowing Championships. In 1997, Britain’s National Lottery began providing major funding for British rowing after Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent won Great Britain’s only gold medal—in any sport—at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

In 2012, at their home Olympics, British rowers qualified boats in 13 of the then-14 Olympic events and made the A final in all 13 events, winning nine medals (four gold, two silver, and three bronze).

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Britain won eight rowing medals (three gold, two silver, three bronze), tying The Netherlands for the most total medals.

The plan is based on three pillars, each with stated goals:

Foundations. The goal: For GB Rowing to be “trusted and easier to work with, underpinned by stronger finances, data, and services helping rowers, clubs, and partners succeed.”

Clubs, Communities, and Events. The goal: That “coaches and volunteers feel valued and supported.”

Performance. The goal: That “Great Britain sustains world-class Olympic and Paralympic success, with Beach Sprints established.”

“The three pillars will provide a backbone for all the work we do as we build through to 2028,” Solesby said.