Grace Clough MBE

Rio 2016 Paralympiad: 2013 – 2016

Clough was once again selected in the PR3 mixed coxed four along with Pamela Relph, Dan Brown, James Fox and cox Oliver James for the 2016 season. A combination of illness and injury meant they did not make a competitive appearance until the heats of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games but they quickly found their rhythm to secure a convincing victory.

It was a similar story in the final, as they took control of the race from the off and went on to win by a length to successfully defend GB’s title in magnificent style.

The 2015 season saw Clough and her team-mates once again prove that they were the boat to beat. During an outstanding World Cup in Varese, the four set world-best times on consecutive days and they won gold in emphatic style. The World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette proved to be a much tighter affair but the GB crew dug deep to see off a strong challenge from the United States and they retained their title.

Clough began training on the High Performance Programme at Nottingham Rowing Club in 2013 and quickly impressed, earning an invite to train full-time with the GB Para-rowing squad at Caversham in January 2014.

She was handed her international debut in June of that year, winning a superb gold alongside Pamela Relph, James Fox, Oliver Hester and Oliver James at the World Cup in Aiguebelette. Dan Brown came in for Oliver Hester at the World Rowing Championships in Amsterdam as GB secured another impressive clear water victory, turning on the power to finish five seconds ahead of the United States.

Clough captained Yorkshire at basketball and loves playing football – she was inspired by Bend It Like Beckham – but a shoulder injury at birth meant she could only progress to a certain level.  That prompted her to give disability sport a try and, after trials in cycling and athletics, she took up rowing in September 2013.

She graduated from the University of Leeds with a first in sociology.  Since she was a girl she has wanted to work for the police – “I wanted to be an officer on the streets solving crimes just like in the movies.  An undercover detective would be next on the list.”

Clough is a trained barista and has a grade 5 qualification in the flute, as well as a PADI open water diving qualification.

She took a gap year before university where she travelled to India – a place she would like to return to so she can experience the Holi Festival of Colour.  She also visited Australia, which gave her the chance to go to Ramsay Street – location of her favourite TV show, Neighbours. “I even got a picture with Karl Kennedy and Paul Robinson.”

Manchester United manager José Mourinho would be among her perfect dinner party guests, along with magician, Dynamo, and, last but not least, her granddad.

Clough is Lottery funded through UK Sport.