Rebecca Edwards BEM announces her retirement from the GB Rowing Team

The two-time Olympian competed at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024

Rebecca took up rowing at Queen’s University Belfast whilst studying for her degree in French and Spanish and joined the GB Rowing Team in 2019.

She raced in the Women’s eight (W8+) at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games completing a lifelong dream of competing at the Olympics. She has won a European silver medal, World Cup gold and both the Remenham Challenge Cup and Hambledon Pairs at Henley Royal Regatta. Rebecca’s final race representing Great Britain came in the Women’s pair (W2-) at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with her housemate and best friend, Chloe Brew.

Speaking on Instagram about her decision to leave the GB Rowing Team, Rebecca said: “I’ve given everything I have over the past twelve years chasing my dream. It’s been truly amazing, more painful than I ever could have imagined and the best thing I’ve ever done. I’ve smiled so much, cried even more, and met the most wonderful people along the way. To everyone who has been part of this journey – my family, friends, teammates, coaches, mentors – thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m looking forward to what the future holds. I’m happy and ready!”

Andrew Randell, Women’s Olympic Head coach said: “Rebecca has been an outstanding contributor to the GB Rowing Team over two Olympic cycles. She has been the definitive ‘team’ player with a ‘never say die attitude’ who has put her heart and soul into the Women’s Squad. She was a member of the first GB Women’s eight (W8+) to win a gold medal at the 2023 Lucerne World Cup regatta and recorded two excellent wins in the Remenham Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta. She is an outstanding competitor and her bubbly, positive personality will be a significant loss to the team. We wish her well for the next challenge she takes on and know she will be successful.”

Rebecca is passionate about inspiring young girls from Northern Ireland and showing them it is possible to achieve whatever you put your mind to. She was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2023 for Services to Rowing.