New rowing star Henry having to grow up quickly after GB selection

Laundry and meal prep have been Lauren Henry’s biggest challenges since a life-changing victory earned her a place on the GB Rowing Team, writes Sportsbeat's Tom Harle.

The Lutterworth rower produced the standout result of April’s British Senior Trials, taking gold in the women’s single sculls while still a junior athlete.

It meant instant upheaval for the youngster, who rented an Airbnb in Berkshire and within days left home for the first time to train full-time at British Rowing’s Caversham base.

“It’s a very big life change,” said Henry. “I don’t have much time to be homesick as we train so much, but everyone has been really accommodating.

“Keeping my kit clean and making dinner, they’re the hardest things. I’ve roped my parents into making me food and bringing it down!”

The Leicester Rowing Club star has deferred her Economics Degree at the University of Leicester, meaning at some stage she will have to repeat her second year.

At this rate, she’ll be an Olympian before she has to worry about making that decision.

Henry’s breakneck road to Paris 2024 will start at the European Championships in Lake Bled from May 25-28.

Having done most of her training and racing in a single, Henry will step into the women’s quad in Slovenia.

She will be joined by Olympians Lucy Glover and Hannah Scott, as well as Georgie Brayshaw who was part of the women’s quad that won European gold and world bronze last year.

Henry said: “The other girls have really looked after me and it’s really exciting to step into a crew with so much Olympic and international experience.

“I can learn so much from how they carry themselves every day and the way they get the little things done.

“It’s been really nice, a great team environment, and different to what I’m used to doing so much in the single. They’ve definitely looked after me!

“I have quite a lot of speed in my single, so I’ve tried to bring my physicality and technique into the boat.

“They have all trained here for a long time so I like to think I can bring a fresh perspective and a different take on things.”

British Rowing is the governing body for the sport and is responsible for the development of rowing in England and the training and selection of rowers to represent Great Britain. The GB Rowing Team is supported by the National Lottery Sports Fund. To find out more, and to follow the team, head to https://www.britishrowing.org/