In this lecture, Katherine charts the development of an athlete looking back at the past 4 Olympics that she competed in and bears witness to how the landscape of British sport, and specifically rowing, has changed.
Abstract:
“The 2012 Olympics showcased one of the most successful British Olympic teams ever. This was no accident, for seven years the country knew that the Olympics was coming back to Britain and everything had been committed to give athletes the best chance of success. Funding systems were in place, world class coaches, scientific experts, venues, training grounds, equipment all made sure athletes could compete with the rest of the world. And every athlete knew this might be the chance of a lifetime. But athletes had also taken a lifetime to get to this point – athletes who began their sport as children in clubs, schools and universities all over the country. Athletes, who learned constantly, developed and challenged themselves while committing to being the best they could possibly be. I’ll chart the development of an athlete looking back at the past 4 Olympics that I’ve competed in and witness how the landscape of British sport, and specifically rowing, has changed..”