THE RED carpet was rolled out at a Rugby school when a former pupil turned Olympic gold-winning rower came to visit.
Lauren Henry, a member of Team GB’s triumphant Women’s Quadruple Sculls team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, went back to Rugby High School (RHS) to share her journey with students.
Welcomed under an archway of oars, she brought her gold medal for staff and students to admire.
Answering questions from students, Lauren shared the ups and downs of training and competing – revealing she has suffered 12 broken ribs in three years.
She and her enthralled audience re-watched the finale of her Paris race, when she and crewmates Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson and Georgina Brayshaw triumphed after a final sprint and dramatic photo finish, crossing the line just 0.15 seconds ahead of their Dutch rivals who had led for the entire race.
She faced the tricky question of who her favourite teacher was, answering that she enjoyed GCSE PE, remembered all her form tutors and recalled how supportive the school had been when rowing became such a huge part of her life during A-Levels.
Lauren admitted the rumours were true about the food in the Olympic village being poor, and that the cardboard beds there were as uncomfortable as one would expect.
Students then queued up for autographs and selfies.
An RHS spokesperson said: “Rugby High School was honoured to have Lauren visit for a series of special assemblies.
“We extend our thanks to Lauren for visiting and sharing her Olympic experience with us all, and wish her every future success.
“In keeping with Rugby High School’s motto, she truly has achieved the heights set in her heart.”
First-time Olympian Lauren took up rowing at the age of 13 at Leicester Rowing Club when she followed her twin sister Becky into the sport.
At 22, she became the youngest rower on Team GB in Paris – and now she plans to conquer her chosen sport.
Following her triumph in July, Lauren told the Observer: “My goal is to be the most successful female rower ever from Great Britain.
“It’s a bit strange because I’m 22 and I’ve got a European, a World and an Olympic gold – which is quite unusual!
“But the real greats don’t just stick with one gold, they get multiple, so that’s my aim.”
