A British Olympic gold medalist and army officer, known for being the first British woman to win an Olympic gold medal in rowing, and for her remarkable achievements in both sports and military service.
Heather Stanning is a renowned British professional rower, celebrated for her remarkable achievements in the sport, including becoming the first British women's rowing Olympic champion and setting multiple world records. As a member of the Great Britain rowing team, she has accumulated an impressive array of titles, including double Olympic champion, double World champion, quadruple World Cup champion, and double European champion.
Stanning's remarkable journey began in 2006 when she joined the Team GB Start Programme, a talent identification and development initiative for rowers. Her exceptional abilities quickly earned her a spot on the British team, and she went on to study Sports Technology at the University of Bath, England.
In 2012, Stanning partnered with Helen Glover to win the Olympic gold medal in women's rowing, marking the first-ever British Olympic gold medal in the sport. This historic achievement was repeated in 2016, when the duo retained their Olympic title at the Rio de Janeiro Games.
Stanning's impressive resume includes multiple world records and championships. In 2014, she set the world record time with Helen Glover at the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam. The pair retained their World title at the 2015 World Rowing Championships in Lac d'Aiguebelette, France, and again won gold at the 2016 European Championships in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany.
Aside from her rowing career, Stanning is a British Army officer, holding the rank of Major in the Royal Artillery. She was granted dispensation from the army to pursue her Olympic ambitions and was educated at Gordonstoun, Scotland, where she was appointed head girl in her final year. Stanning married in 2018 and comes from a family of Royal Navy officers, with her parents and brothers serving in various branches of the military.
Stanning's remarkable achievements have earned her numerous awards and honors, including being ranked the number 1 female rower in the world in 2016. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2013 for her services to rowing.
Heather Stanning's trailblazing achievements have inspired a generation of female rowers and left an indelible mark on the sport. Her dedication, perseverance, and exceptional talent have cemented her place as one of the most accomplished rowers in British history.
Heather Stanning's remarkable story serves as a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, her country, and her sport. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, ensuring her place among the pantheon of British rowing legends.
43 Years Old
British Olympic gold medalist and world champion in double sculls, known for her dominance in women's rowing from 2009 to 2012.
68 Years Old
A British Labour Party politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Cheadle from 2005 to 2015, known for his work on health and education policies.
