Born: 1983 (Leek, Staffordshire)
Biography:
Anna Rose Watkins MBE PhD (née Bebington, born 13 February 1983) is a British rower who has made significant contributions to the sport. Born and raised in Leek, Staffordshire, Watkins discovered her passion for rowing while studying Natural Sciences at Newnham College, Cambridge.
Watkins’ rowing journey began in 2001 when she took her first strokes with the Newnham College Boat Club. Her dedication and talent quickly became evident as she served as captain of lower boats and later as secretary for the club. Watkins represented Leander Club in various rowing events, showcasing her skills and determination on the water.
In 2004, Watkins made her international debut at the World Under 23 Regatta in Poznań, Poland, where she won a gold medal in the Coxless IVs. This achievement marked the start of her successful career at the senior international level. The following year, Watkins made her senior international debut with the Women’s Eight, earning a fifth-place finish at the World Championships in Gifu, Japan. She also secured an Under 23 bronze medal at the World U23 Rowing Championships in Amsterdam.
In 2006, Watkins transitioned to sculling and began competing in the double scull, finding her niche in this boat class. Teaming up with Annabel Vernon, Watkins competed at the home waters of Eton Dorney during the World Championships, finishing in an impressive fourth place. The duo had earlier triumphed in the World Cup series that season.
For the next two years, Watkins formed a formidable partnership with Elise Laverick. Together, they won bronze medals at both the World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Achieving this Olympic medal came after a challenging season battling glandular fever, making Watkins’ accomplishment particularly commendable. At the time, this was the closest any British oarswoman had come to an Olympic gold, with just 0.23 seconds separating the three medal-winning crews.
In 2009, Watkins reunited with Annabel Vernon and clinched a silver medal at the World Championships in Poznań, Poland. The following year, she joined forces with Katherine Grainger, beginning a partnership that would bring great success. In their double scull, Watkins and Grainger experienced an unbeaten season, culminating in their victory at the 2010 World Championships in New Zealand. Their stellar performance led to them being named the World Rowing Female Crew of the Year and also The Sunday Times Women’s Sports Team of the Year for 2010.
Watkins’ individual talent was further showcased when she became the Champion of the Thames in the annual championships, the Wingfield Sculls. In 2011, she surpassed Grainger in the British Rowing Team trials, solidifying her status as a formidable force in the sport. The Watkins-Grainger partnership continued to flourish as they claimed successive gold medals at the World Championships in 2010 and 2011.
At the pinnacle of her career, Watkins reached new heights during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. With unwavering determination, she and Grainger won the much-coveted gold medal in the double sculls, cementing their place in rowing history. This Olympic triumph showcased Watkins’ unwavering commitment, incredible endurance, and exceptional skill.
Throughout her career, Anna Watkins has proven to be an inspiration to aspiring rowers, especially women, with her exceptional achievements and resilience in the face of hardships. She has left an indelible mark on the sport, redefining the boundaries of what is possible in women’s rowing.
Awards:
– Olympic Games: Gold (2012), Bronze (2008)
– World Championships: Gold (2010, 2011), Silver (2009)
– Wingfield Sculls: Champion of the Thames (2010)