Vicky Thornley retires from international rowing

After three Olympic Games, Thornley will hang up her oars with a host of medals to show from her career with the GB Rowing Team and Team GB

Vicky Thornley has announced her retirement from international rowing after 11 years in the GB Rowing Team. Vicky, who originally started rowing through the World Class Start programme, competed at three Olympic Games securing a memorable silver medal on the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas with Dame Katherine Grainger at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

Posting on her social channels, Vicky wrote: “After 11 years in the British Rowing Team it is time to step out of the boat. I always knew this decision wouldn’t be easy and it’s incredibly emotional to write this, it makes it real. However, I always said I wanted to walk away knowing hand on heart I’d given it everything, mind, body and soul. I did that.

“You are only as good as your last race and mine was 4th in the single scull at Tokyo 2020. Some may say it is the hardest place to finish, but I showed the best of myself over that eight day regatta. Delivering everything I had learnt over 14 years under the biggest pressure. I am proud of that.

“Three Olympic Games, one Olympic silver medal, European Champion, and World Championship medals. From the biggest boat, the women’s eight to the smallest, the women’s single. I have rowed with and worked alongside some of the most driven and focused people on the planet, something I am truly grateful for.

“The friends I have met through the world of sport and especially the wonderful sport of rowing will be lifelong, the power of sport really creates an unbreakable bond. Not to mention I met my husband Ric Egington whilst rowing!”

Vicky also thanked those who had helped her along the way, “There is an immense amount of people to thank for making it so enjoyable and for helping and supporting me to become the best athlete I could be. Family, friends, team mates, coaches, support staff, you know who you are, thank you!”

Paul Reedy, Vicky’s coach at Tokyo praised the commitment and drive Vicky has displayed: “Finishing your career at the Olympics in the boat class you always wanted is not something just anyone achieves. Whilst 4th place in Tokyo was not what we aimed at, it was the culmination of 14 years of graft – starting with the desire to be a champion and finishing with two career defining races.

“I am immensely proud to have been part of the journey; to watch her develop as an athlete and grow as a person has been incredibly rewarding. I wish Vicky well in her post-rowing life with confidence that she will succeed at whatever she puts her energy into.”

Everyone at British Rowing wishes Vicky all the best for her next venture!