Lola Anderson’s journey from Richmond to Olympic glory and MBE
Lola Anderson has been recognised in the New Year Honours for her remarkable contribution to rowing.
The 22-year-old, originally from Richmond, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Lola's journey in rowing began at the age of 14 after watching Team GB rowers Helen Glover and Heather Stanning win gold at London 2012.
An inspired Lola wrote in her diary how her biggest dream in life would be to win golf for GB in rowing at the Olympics.
However she immediately ripped out the note due to embarrassment.
Her father, Don Anderson, a rower himself, found the note and gave it back to her seven years later - two months before his death from cancer.
It was this note that inspired Lola to follow her dream all the way to Paris 2024, where she and her team won gold in the women's quad sculls.
(Image: Lola Anderson)
(Image: Lola Anderson)
Lola had already gained global recognition when she and her teammates clinched gold the 2023 World Rowing Championships.
Her team's victory a year later marked Great Britain's first Olympic gold in women's quadruple sculls.
