Chairman Annamarie Phelps joins the BOA board

We are delighted to announce that Annamarie Phelps, British Rowing’s Chairman since February 2013, has been appointed to the Executive Board of the British Olympic Association (BOA) with immediate effect.

We are delighted to announce that Annamarie Phelps, British Rowing’s Chairman since February 2013, has been appointed to the Executive Board of the British Olympic Association (BOA) with immediate effect.

Phelps, who enjoyed a successful international rowing career after learning at university has joined the BOA board with just under a year to go to the Rio 2016 Games.

The 49 year-old Olympian already has major Games experience, having served as the British Paralympic Association Vice-Chair since 2008.

Phelps said: “I’m delighted to join the BOA board at such a critical time for elite sport in our country with a number of important topics in discussion, as well as Rio on the horizon.”

She added: “I am not afraid to challenge and question to ensure diversity and inclusion are promoted, whilst my experience in both business and as a strategic leader within a National Governing Body will help support the BOA through the next challenging period.”

Andy Parkinson, CEO of British Rowing, welcomed the news of Phelps’ election and said “This is fantastic news and a great step for sport. To have such an influential and passionate figure to help support the BOA’s activities is very exciting. Annamarie has been key in helping drive our sport to ensure we can continue to deliver the best sporting experience for all, from grass roots to high performance.”

Phelps, who competed at the Olympic Games of 1996 in Atlanta as Annamarie Stapleton, is also a former World Champion and is passionate about her sport and the role it can play in life in general.

Recently she said: “I think rowing is unique and engenders a great deal of respect due to the level of teamwork and dedication required. It also links us into a global family, always searching for common ground: a mutual friend, a club, an event, a shared Championships or an Olympic Games.”

Phelps, who is also a Steward at Henley Royal Regatta, joins a BOA Board which is chaired by Lord Sebastian Coe with Sir Hugh Robertson the former Sports Minister as its Vice-Chair after the elections.

Lord Coe said: “I am delighted to welcome the new Vice Chair Hugh Robertson to the BOA Board along with the sport representatives Annamarie Phelps, Hew Chalmers and Ian Howard. I very much look forward to working with them on the road to Rio and beyond.”

Report by: British Rowing

Photos by: British Rowing and Team GB