British Rowing Statement

Annamarie Phelps CBE, Chairman of British Rowing, has been appointed as Chair of the independent review into British Cycling’s World Class Programme.

Today, Annamarie Phelps CBE, Chairman of British Rowing, has been appointed as Chair of the independent review into British Cycling’s World Class Programme. Annamarie will continue to act in her capacity as Chairman of British Rowing throughout the duration of the independent review.

Andy Parkinson, CEO of British Rowing commented on the appointment: “We fully support UK Sport’s decision to appoint Annamarie to the position of Chair of the independent review. As Chairman of British Rowing, Annamarie consistently provides strong leadership, a commitment to excellence and huge integrity in everything she does.”

Annamarie Phelps has been Chairman of British Rowing since February 2013, and actively involved in rowing for over thirty years after taking up the sport at university. She was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the New Year’s Honours 2016 in recognition for her services to rowing.

Annamarie enjoyed a successful international rowing career representing Great Britain at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta (women’s eight). She also competed in World Rowing Championships between 1991 and 1995 as well as the Commonwealth Regatta in 1994. She was World Champion in 1993 (lightweight coxless fours) and World Indoor Rowing Champion and World Indoor Rowing Record holder between 1992 and 1995 (lightweight women).

Out of the boat, Annamarie was Lead Safeguarding Officer at British Rowing for 11 years, and oversaw the anti-doping, governance and equality policies within the National Governing Body as Deputy Chairman from 2002 to 2013. She was the first female board member of The Boat Race Company Ltd, working with the universities sponsors and men’s clubs to bring the Women’s University Boat Race to the Tidal Thames in 2015. Annamarie has also been a Steward of Henley Royal Regatta since 2002.

Annamarie is a trustee and vice chairman of the British Paralympic Association and a board member of the British Olympic Association. She also sits on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Sport Duty of Care Review which is being led by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.

Annamarie Phelps and British Rowing have no further comment to make at this time.

The full joint statement can be found here: http://www.uksport.gov.uk/news/2016/04/29/phelps-to-lead-british-cycling-review

Please direct any media enquiries to UK Sport:

Paul Cox, Head of Communications, UK Sport: 07803 178 212 Paul.Cox@uksport.gov.uk

Jessica Whitehorn, Senior Press Officer, UK Sport: 07747 562 532 Jessica.Whitehorn@uksport.gov.uk