A former Norwich local has been selected as part of the Team GB rowing squad ahead of the 2024 Olympics.
Samantha Redgrave, 29, began her journey to the Olympics while studying for a Chemistry degree at the UEA, and continued to compete in the sport in the following years while working as a clinical support worker at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
In 2021, she made her Team GB debut and has now been selected for the rowing squad heading to the Paris Olympics this summer.
"I feel very proud and honoured to compete at this year's games," she said.
"It's been a long three years and full of ups and downs, but it feels really good to be here as part of the team."
It was while living in the city as a student between 2012 and 2014 that she discovered her love for the sport and joined the Norwich Rowing Club.
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"I had an amazing coach, Richard Hoare, who helped me go from strength to strength.
"I then trialled for the GB team and was successful, and it has been a snowball effect from there."
Sam upped sticks from Norwich to move to Caversham near Reading, the home of British Rowing’s national training centre.
She’s won multiple medals at World Rowing Cups, European Championships and Henley Royal Regatta in pairs, fours and eights, and became world champion in the women’s four in 2022.
She is set to join two-time Olympic Champion Helen Glover in the boat, an experience she found "very cool" when Glover first returned to the squad last year.
"You train together, eat together, and have the same struggles and aspirations."
Sam paid tribute to her time in Norwich, where her love for the sport was first encouraged.
"I really appreciate all of the support from Norwich," she said.
"I wouldn't be here today without Norwich Rowing Club and the team at the hospital who helped me to work and train at the same time.
"Everyone helped make this dream possible."
Edward Sidgwick, vice-chair of Norwich Rowing Club, shared the club's excitement for Sam, who remains an honorary member of the club and keeps in touch.
"All at Norwich Rowing Club are immensely proud of what Sam is achieving and we will all be cheering her on throughout her Olympic campaign.
"Sam hasn't had the easiest of journeys, overcoming several injuries.
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"She manages to balance competing and training at the highest level with having great fun. She's the life and soul of a party and a great singer for karaoke!
"As a club, we would be delighted to help those inspired by the Olympics and by Sam's achievements to try out rowing."
The team at the UEA is similarly proud of Sam's achievements.
Mark Heazle, Head of Sport & Physical Activity Development, said: "Representing your nation at the Olympics is the pinnacle for many sports people, and we're very proud that Sam's passion for rowing was sparked at UEA.
"We would like to wish the very best of luck to all of the Team GB Olympians but will certainly be cheering extra loudly when Sam is on screen during the women's four race!"
Sam will be competing in the Women's Fours events, with the heats at 12.30pm on July 28.
Anyone interested in joining Norwich Rowing Club can find out more at norwichrowingclub.com.
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