Helen Glover MBE, born on 17 June 1986 in Truro, Cornwall, is a renowned British professional rower and a prominent member of the Great Britain Rowing Team. Widely celebrated for her remarkable achievements, Glover was ranked the number one female rower globally in 2015 and 2016. Her illustrious career boasts two Olympic gold medals, three World Championship titles, five World Cup victories, and five European Championship titles, among other accolades.
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Image Credit: Rematch
Early Life and Family
Helen Glover was born at Treliske Hospital in Truro to Rachel, a physiotherapist, and Jimmy Glover, a school teacher and sportsman. Raised in Penzance, she grew up in a highly athletic family with her siblings Benjamin, Nathan, Ruth, and Freya. Glover’s father, a retired teacher turned ice cream vendor, was a notable sportsman, having played tennis at Junior Wimbledon, football for Penzance FC, and rugby for the Penzance Pirates.
Education and Athletic Beginnings
Glover attended Heamoor Community Primary School and Humphry Davy School in Penzance. Her athletic prowess earned her a sports scholarship to Millfield School in Somerset, where she excelled in cross-country running, middle-distance track, tennis, swimming, and hockey. By age 14, she was part of the England Satellite Squad for hockey.
Glover pursued higher education at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, where she studied Sport and Exercise Science. She later completed a PGCE at the University College Plymouth St Mark & St John, aiming to teach physical education to secondary school students.
Rowing Career
2008-2011: Early Years and Rapid Rise
Helen Glover’s rowing journey began in July 2008 when she joined the Sporting Giants scheme, which led her to the GB Rowing Team’s “Start” program. Under coach Paul Stannard at Minerva Bath Rowing Club, she quickly made a mark in the rowing community.
In 2010, Glover partnered with Heather Stanning in the women’s coxless pair, coached by Robin Williams. Despite starting as reserves, their rapid improvement saw them win a silver medal at the 2010 World Rowing Championships. In 2011, they secured gold at both the Munich and Lucerne World Rowing Cup regattas, finishing the year as World Championship runners-up.
2012: Olympic Glory
The pinnacle of Glover’s career came at the 2012 London Olympics. She and Stanning won gold in the women’s coxless pair, setting an Olympic record and securing the first gold medal for Team GB at the Games. This victory was historic, marking the first-ever Olympic gold for British women’s rowing.
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2013-2016: Continued Dominance
After the 2012 Olympics, Glover continued her dominance in rowing. In 2013, teamed with Polly Swann, she became the World Champion and retained the European title. Glover and Stanning reunited to set a world record and win gold at the 2014 World Rowing Championships.
In 2015, they continued their unbeaten streak, retaining their World Championship title. Their remarkable partnership culminated in another Olympic gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, after which Glover took a break from rowing to start a family.
2021: Return to Competition
In January 2021, Glover resumed training and soon won the European Coxless Pair title with Polly Swann. At the Tokyo Olympics, Glover made history as the first mother to row for Britain, finishing fourth with Swann in the women’s coxless pair.
2022-2023: Coastal Rowing and World Championships
In October 2022, Glover debuted in the World Rowing Coastal Championships, winning silver in the women’s solo class. In 2023, she added a World Championship bronze medal in the women’s coxless four to her extensive collection of accolades.
Helen Glover Age
How old is Helen Glover? Helen Glover was born on June 17, 1986.
Helen Glover Height
How tall is Helen Glover? Helen Glover stands at a height of 1.78m.
Helen Glover Nationality
Helen Glover is a British.
Medals
Olympic Medals
- Gold Medal – London 2012: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Gold Medal – Rio de Janeiro 2016: Women’s Coxless Pair
World Championships
- Gold Medal – 2013 Chungju: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Gold Medal – 2014 Amsterdam: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Gold Medal – 2015 Aiguebelette: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Bronze Medal – 2023 Belgrade: Women’s Coxless Four
European Championships
- Gold Medal – 2014 Belgrade: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Gold Medal – 2015 Poznan: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Gold Medal – 2016 Brandenburg: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Gold Medal – 2021 Varese: Women’s Coxless Pair
World Rowing Cups
- Overall World Cup Champion – 2013: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Overall World Cup Champion – 2014: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Overall World Cup Champion – 2015: Women’s Coxless Pair
- Overall World Cup Champion – 2016: Women’s Coxless Pair


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