Baroness Grainger, GB’s most decorated female Olympic rower, will sit in the House of Lords as a non-aligned crossbench peer.

The appointment of the five times Olympic medallist, who won gold at London 2012, to the UK Parliament comes less than a year after she took on the role of chair of the British Olympic Association. This followed the completion of her final term as chair of UK Sport. She is currently Chancellor of Glasgow University. 

HWR Chairman Naomi Ashcroft said, “Katherine is as accomplished off the water as she was on it during her long international rowing career. We are delighted that the House of Lords will be able to draw on her wisdom and experience of sport and its many benefits for society at all levels.” 

Katherine attended the regatta on finals day this year, where she spent time with competitors and spectators, leaving them both thrilled and inspired by the chance to meet her..