Born: 1986 (Truro, Cornwall, England)
Helen Glover MBE (born 17 June 1986) is a British professional rower and a member of the Great Britain Rowing Team. Ranked as the number 1 female rower in the world in 2015–16, she is a two-time Olympic champion, triple World champion, quintuple World Cup champion, and quadruple European champion.
Born in Treliske Hospital, Truro, Glover grew up in Penzance in a competitive athletic family. Her father, Jimmy Glover, is a retired school teacher and Oxford University graduate, while her mother, Rachel (née Tucker), is a physiotherapist who trained at Guy’s Hospital. Glover has an older brother, Benjamin, a younger twin brother, Nathan, and two younger sisters, Ruth and Freya. Her father, a sports enthusiast, played tennis at Junior Wimbledon, was a football player for Penzance ‘Magpies’ FC, and captained the local cricket team.
Glover’s journey in rowing began in 2008 when she attended a talent identification program called Sporting Giants. This program aimed to discover individuals with the potential for excelling in Olympic sports. Impressed by Glover’s athleticism and physical attributes, her talent was recognized, and she was encouraged to pursue rowing. She joined the British Rowing Team, marking the beginning of her remarkable career.
In 2012, at the Summer Olympics in London, Glover achieved a historic milestone. Teaming up with Heather Stanning, they became the first British women’s rowing pair to win an Olympic gold medal. This victory not only secured a gold medal for Team GB but also established Glover as a trailblazer in British women’s rowing.
Glover continued her success in subsequent years, forming a dynamic partnership with Polly Swann. In 2013, she and Swann became world champions in the coxless pair at the World Rowing Championships in South Korea. They went on to claim the European title at the 2014 European Rowing Championships in Belgrade, making Glover the first woman to hold the Olympic, World, and European titles in the coxless pair.
At the 2014 World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam, Glover and Stanning reclaimed their world title and set a new world record. They defended their world title once again in 2015 at the World Rowing Championships in Lac d’Aiguebelette, France.
In 2016, Glover and Stanning retained their European title in Brandenburg an der Havel and set a World Rowing Cup record time in Poznan. The pinnacle of their partnership came at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where they secured another gold medal, solidifying their status as one of the most successful rowing pairs in history.
Following her Olympic triumph, Glover announced her retirement from rowing to start a family. However, her love for the sport eventually brought her back to training. In 2021, she teamed up with Polly Swann once again and reclaimed the European Coxless Pair title in Varese. This achievement marked an inspiring comeback for Glover after becoming a mother, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Glover’s accomplishments extend beyond her athletic achievements. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to rowing, she was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2013. This prestigious honor reflects her significant impact on the sport and her commitment to representing Great Britain on the world stage.
Throughout her career, Helen Glover has inspired countless individuals with her dedication, skill, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story exemplifies the power of perseverance, teamwork, and passion. As a role model for aspiring athletes and an ambassador for women’s sports, Glover continues to leave a lasting legacy in rowing and women’s history.