“Mummy, can boys row?”

As a seasoned athlete and mother of two, I can truly relate to the inspiring journey of Helen Glover. Her unwavering commitment to both her family and her Olympic dreams is nothing short of admirable. The sacrifices she’s made throughout her career are evident in her dedication to being present for her children, even when it means putting in longer hours of training with less time to rest.

Helen Glover earned her initial Olympic gold, in the women’s coxless pairs competition, during the 2012 London Games. Four years afterwards, at the Rio Olympics, she claimed her second gold medal while partnering Heather Stanning. In the subsequent month, Glover tied the knot with TV naturalist Steve Backshall. Their firstborn son, Logan, entered the world in 2018, and they welcomed twins Kit and Willow two years later, in 2020. At the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Helen became the first mother to represent Team GB on the rowing team, securing a fourth-place finish.

From 2015-2016, she held the top spot as the best female rower globally, and she’s proudly earned the title of a three-time world champion. One might assume her accomplishments had reached their peak, but look at her now – getting back into the boat for the Paris Olympics! What fuels her determination?

Until the London and Rio competitions, winning held the greatest significance for Glover, who is now 38 years old. It was her top priority in life. As we converse by the Thames at Marlow Rowing Club, which is situated near her residence, also along the river.

I used to believe that my identity was tightly bound to my successes in rowing. The accolades and achievements I reaped from the sporting field were what defined me. However, as I grew older and became a parent, my perspective began to shift. My children have become the most important people in my life, their happiness and well-being taking precedence over any ambitions I may have had in rowing.

Despite not having a family to care for adding to the norm, Glover’s unique perspective as an athlete stems from her participation in her fourth consecutive Olympics. Notably, she was chosen alongside Tom Daley to bear the Union flag at the opening ceremony. In simpler terms, Glover describes her experience of competing in four Olympic Games.

During the London Olympics, I was still quite young. It was an incredible experience having a home crowd cheering us on. We went on to secure the first gold medal for Team GB in an unbelievable turn of events. I could hardly believe it myself – I never dared to dream that I would become an Olympian, let alone win an Olympic gold medal.

As I reflected on those four long years since the last Olympics, my confidence began to waver. But when Rio rolled around, I knew I couldn’t let imposter syndrome take over. Determined to solidify London’s legacy and prove my achievements were no fluke, I set out to deliver an unforgettable performance.

By the time Rio came along, I had imposter syndrome

Due to Covid-19 and caring for one-year-old twins at home, traveling to Tokyo was a significant accomplishment for me. Parents could relate to my situation and cheered me on as I pursued this goal. It was a source of pride for me and represented the resumption of pre-motherhood passions.

In Paris, Glover will compete against Rebecca Shorten, Esme Booth, and Sam Redgrave in the women’s four rowing event. Is she prepared? “Have I ever felt ready for the Olympics? With just a few weeks left before the competition, we’re crossing our fingers that we measure up to the challenge. And let’s not forget, it’s right across the English Channel! That proximity is a significant motivation for me. It almost feels like a hometown event since my family can easily travel there by train. Plus, these Games will be in our time zone, making it reminiscent of London 2012 with its massive public support.”

As a movie buff, I can relate to Glover’s confession. Despite having an abundance of experience and encouragement, I too get jitters before a big event. Yet, I understand the significance of these nerves. The anxious sensation that grips me before the starting line is a feeling I’ve had since my very first race, which was approximately 14 years ago.

Glover hadn’t trained as a rower for long enough before that. Previously, she was a talented track and field athlete on the verge of becoming a PE teacher. However, something inspiring happened in the realm of British sports that led her to this new path.

At the age of 21, I discovered that London had been selected to host the Olympic Games. In preparation, they initiated a program to identify potential competitors. Eager to participate, I enrolled, but soon realized my height might be an issue. The eligibility requirement was set at 5ft 11in for women, which left me feeling rather short at 5ft 9in. Determined not to give up, I decided to stand on my toes during tryouts. Luckily, Paul Stannard, who later became my first coach, observed from the sidelines and recognized my determination. He approached me and encouraged me to consider joining the rowing team.

As a movie buff, I’ve always imagined being part of an exciting adventure on the big screen, but I’d never sat in a boat before. I thought my chance would come in the form of volleyball or some other sport. I was this close to declining the invitation. After all, I had just started my new job as a PE teacher and was focused on paying off my student debt. But then, I envisioned myself in 2012, glued to the TV watching the Games, regretting that I hadn’t given it a try.

Despite the call confirming she’d succeeded, she remained undecided upon picking up. At that moment, I was unsure if I would agree or decline. In half an hour, my answer might have been no. This came from a three-time world champion. “Yes, it’s terrifying. Contemplating the decisions we make in life and considering how drastically different our paths could have been.”

She remains humbly unassuming about her accomplishments. Her gold medals are hidden away in a sock, not showcased at home. “Steve might say, ‘Hello? I’ve put your medals back on the shelf.’ I don’t particularly value them sentimentally. The first Olympic medal I ever held was mine. No one had ever brought a medal to my school before. So, when I visit places like Cornwall, where I grew up, I go into schools and let children feel the weight of it. By doing so, I can inspire them with the message of what they too can achieve.”

Glover grew up as the fifth child in a seemingly ordinary, content household in Penzance. Her father was an accomplished sportsman, excelling in rugby. “I felt truly blessed growing up in a family that encouraged sports, yet never pressured me. I was just a young girl who enjoyed my time on the beach with friends, gathering seashells.” Remarkably gifted in athletics, she earned a sports scholarship to Millfield School. “None of my relatives attended private schools. I didn’t identify with those individuals who would later excel and attend prestigious institutions. The athletes who competed at the Olympics were not individuals like me.”

At the age of 21, I found myself at a crossroads in my life. It was as if I had been given a second chance, an opportunity that I hadn’t known I needed so desperately. Up until then, I had never truly applied myself to anything with all my heart and soul. But rowing changed all that.

Glover’s remarkable ability to focus sets her apart. Few interviewees I have met listen as carefully to a question, ponder their response, and deliberately avoid default answers as she does. This skill may be a significant factor in her impressive achievements.

Her goal is that her career will inspire young people, including her own children, with the belief that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. “For my daughter, in particular, I want her to feel deeply that she can make a mark in this world, no matter what she chooses to do.” She is blazing new trails in numerous ways. “The other day, Kit asked, ‘Mummy, can boys row boats?'” She chuckles, recalling how often she has been questioned by strangers if women are capable of rowing.

I’m thrilled that my three will be there to witness their mum represent Team GB in Paris. I believe this experience will inspire them. I want to convey a message: no matter who you are – woman, girl, or female – you have the power to pursue your dreams. It doesn’t matter if you succeed or not; what truly matters is that you gave it a try. Returning to sport after having kids should be a celebrated achievement, just like it is for many male athletes in Team GB. I was motivated by this during the Tokyo Games. Women athletes coming back after having children were making a powerful statement. Unfortunately, there was once an assumption that having a family meant your athletic career would come to an end. But things are changing, and these Games might just be the biggest testament to that shift in perspective. I had to make sacrifices to compete at the highest level, but it was worth it. The only way to do it was to show up at a certain time and leave at another, with no room for anything else.

In my training regime with the team, I prioritize picking up my kids from school above all else. Consequently, I need to be done by 3pm. Although this means I have three hours less than others for training, being a devoted mother is important to me. Even if I’m exhausted or pressed for time, witnessing their joyful faces at the school gate reassures me that I’ve struck the right balance between my responsibilities.

Is this a possibility that Glover will retire after the Paris Games? The athlete has stepped away from Team GB competition twice: first in 2016 following her successive gold medals in London and Rio, to start a family, and then again in 2021 after the Tokyo Games. However, she expressed no intention of returning to the sport at present, although she has made similar statements before. She is not making any plans to continue.

My expectation is that these Games will be my last

After a considerable moment of reflection, I’m torn between continuing and becoming a mother, but the strong maternal instinct within me yearns for the role once the competition is over. In this high-pressure situation, I believe that when I return home and assume the title of “Mum,” without the distractions, clarity will come to me. However, my current anticipation is that these Games may very well be my last.

Currently, the Olympic Village holds great significance for her. “The essence of it surpasses politics. It’s the most extraordinary phenomenon on earth. Each unique physique, every sport, every nation is present. Every individual is embarking on their personal journey to reach this point. There’s an underlying sense of respect as everyone acknowledges that, regardless of being a marathon runner or rugby sevens player, each person has overcome challenges. They have pushed themselves to make it here. And that serves as motivation for every youngster around the world. They can observe the Olympics and identify relatable role models. That’s the beauty of sports.”

“Team GB has a strong sense of camaraderie, making every day feel like a national holiday for its members.”

If the four reach the final on August 1st, what might go through her mind as she approaches the finish line? She ponders, “It depends. At times, my thoughts are purely focused on the task at hand. I’m counting strokes, following the race strategy, observing those in my boat, and keeping tabs on nearby boats. It can be all business with little room for emotion. However, during the European Championships recently, in the final moments before crossing the line, I was suddenly aware of this bracelet on my wrist.” She raises her arm to reveal a beaded bracelet, explaining, “This ‘Mummy Bracelet’ was made by my children for me. For just one stroke, I felt its presence, a gentle reminder of their love and support.”

She takes a moment to express, “I had an unusual sensation today during the race – a feeling of their presence with me. This has never occurred to me before while competing. I rarely consider them in racing situations. But for just one instant, it enveloped me, and for a brief moment, it rejuvenated me with a newfound energy that I hadn’t experienced in the previous 30 seconds. Despite whether or not I consciously think of my children during the Paris race, I will continue to wear this source of inner strength.”

Helen competes in the women’s four, beginning 28 July

2024-07-26 18:35

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