Para-rower Lauren Rowles has been named the 2024 female Athletes’ Athlete of the Year.
Lauren topped a vote among elite British athletes to win the prize, which is awarded by the British Elite Athletes Association on behalf of current and former World Class Programme athletes. Para-triathlete Dave Ellis and his guide, Luke Pollard, won the men's award.
2024 was another golden year for Lauren, who wrote herself into the history books as the first three-time Paralympic gold medallist in rowing when she won the PR2 mixed double sculls alongside Gregg Stevenson.
Lauren and Gregg set a new world and Paralympic record in the heats, becoming the first crew to row sub-eight minutes. Earlier in the year, the duo won gold at the European Rowing Championships and, after Paris, were named World Rowing Para Crew of the Year.
“It’s very special,” said Lauren when asked how it feels to be crowned Athletes’ Athlete of the Year.
“It means a lot. When I was in Paris I was inspired by the athletes around me in the GB team.
“These people have been through the same journey as me and the fact that this group of athletes think enough of me really means a lot.
“I can’t thank everybody enough for voting. To get this recognition at the end of a Paralympic year means more than people know.”
2024 was an extra special year for Lauren, who became a mum for the first time before Paris when she and partner Jude Hamer, the GB wheelchair basketball star, welcomed a son into the world.
Lauren admits motherhood has led to a change in outlook, but it also served as extra motivation heading into the Games and made the victory even more memorable.
“I am so blessed to be a mum and that role in my life is so important,” she added.
“It used to be about Lauren the athlete and winning medals was always the priority. Now my son has come along, and he comes above everything.
“Knowing that he and Jude would be in the stands gave me purpose going towards the Games.
“It made me feel like I had a responsibility to show him what you can achieve in life with hard work, determination, resilience and all these things I have in my toolkit.
“The fact I got to cross the line and have that moment with them is something I will never forget.”
Everyone at the British Elite Athletes Association sends their congratulations to Lauren on winning this award and also to fellow nominees Emily Craig (rowing), Jodie Grinham (para-archery), Abi Martin (gymnastics) and Poppy Maskill (para-swimming).
