So, I’ve decided to call it a day on my rowing career…as an athlete!! I’m pleased to tell you that I have taken up the Assistant Coaching Position at Cambridge University Boat Club (CUBC).

Even before Rio I was almost sure that I would retire from competing. Ive had an incredible career in rowing. Being a part of the GB Rowing Team has given me so many opportunities. I have raced and trained in China, Australia, New Zealand, Rio and not forgetting all over Europe. As a young rower growing up I never really believed I would ever go to an Olympic Games… never mind 3. And what makes this achievement even more special was that I got to compete at a home Olympics and win a silver.

I could go on all day about the highs and lows of my rowing career but we can leave that for another time. For now, I am excited about the new challenges that lie ahead.

I have always thought of the Boat Race as an event that I would never be involved in. Certainly not as an athlete anyway. And here I am writing this now in the Goldie Boathouse. I’m surrounded by history of the race and each day here I am learning about the uniqueness of this world renowned showdown between Oxford and Cambridge. The boat race is like no other rowing race in the world. Yes, it might just be rowing and the aim, at least for us at Cambridge, is to get to the finish line before Oxford, but there is so much more to the race tactically and anyone who knows rowing knows that the Tideway can be very unforgiving and cruel at times.

This role will be a huge learning experience for me. I know that it will not be easy making the transition between athlete to coach, but I am constantly reminded that here at Cambridge I have the support that I need to able to do that. I am looking forward to using my knowledge as a recent athlete to help Cambridge improve and be faster again this year.

Im excited to be a part of such a great team lead by Steve Trapmore. It is a privilege to now be in Cambridge coaching and developing some of the finest students in the world of university sport.

I am now well and truly Light Blue!!