KAREN BENNETT

ROWING
2-TIME OLYMPIAN

KAREN BENNETT IS A 2-TIME OLYMPIAN, WORLD CHAMPION AND HAS BEEN A NATIONAL ROWING TEAM REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM SINCE 2014.

British Rowing | Instagram

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPORT?
I was selected through a talent ID project by doing various tests and the outcome was that I had the potential to be good at rowing if I wanted to give it a try so I did. I had a strong background in sport growing up and competed in various sports at different levels.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE, AND WHY?
I have 2 - 1. 2016 European Championships in Brandenburg because it was the worst conditions I have raced in but also was the start of something special, knowing I was part of an 8 that could really go somewhere. 2. My silver medal in the women’s 8 in Rio because we made history and we did it together. We were in last place at the 1k and pulled through to finish 2nd. To top it off, my parents were in Rio watching.

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR TOUGHEST CHALLENGE YOU'VE HAD TO FACE IN YOUR SPORT AND WHAT DID IT TEACH YOU?
Training in lockdown during COVID. I was very lucky to have my partner there but being so far away from my family and team mates was extremely difficult. It taught me discipline and the importance of routine but also never taking time for granted.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? WHAT KEEPS YOU GETTING UP EVERY MORNING?
My family - imagining one day I could be on top of the biggest podium with them there is the absolute dream.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNGER ATHLETES ENTERING THE SPORT ASPIRING GREATNESS ON THE WORLD STAGE?
Rowing teaches you a lot of life skills (without knowing it) so see everything as an opportunity and take it, stay grounded and back yourself.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF YOUR SPORT? INTERESTS? CAREER?
I started my own online coaching business this year which I am really enjoying helping people to achieve their goals. I enjoy cooking, spending time with my family and friends. Rowing has taken me to a lot of cool countries and cultures so travelling and visiting new places is something I love doing.

Career Highlights

  • 2021 - European Rowing Championships - Bronze, W4-
  • 2020 - Tokyo Olympics - 4th, W4-
  • 2019 - World Rowing Championships - 5th, W8+
  • 2019 - World Rowing Cup II - Bronze, W8+
  • 2019 - European Rowing Championships - Silver, W8+
  • 2016 - Rio Olympics - Silver, W8+
  • 2015 - World Rowing Championships - Silver, W4-
  • 2014 - World University Rowing Championships - Gold, W4-
BACK TO TOP