Team GB Olympians have joined local youngsters for a free rowing event on Hammersmith & Fulham’s stretch of the Thames.
Fulham Reach Boat Club, one of H&F Mayor Patricia Quigley’s designated charities of the year, has been offering water sport sessions as part of H&F’s Summer in the City programme.
On Wednesday (14 August), Olympic quartet Holly Dunford, Lauren Irwin, Annie Campbell-Orde and Hammersmith-born cox Henry Fieldman shared their expertise with 22 excited local teens.
Henry, fresh from his bronze medal win in Paris, led a group of young rowers through drills. “We went up and down the river, had a chit chat and got some rowing in. It was really good fun, I hope they enjoyed it.”
Fulham student Katarina (15), from Lady Margaret School, said: “To hear from someone who’s made it to the top was such an interesting experience. They’re definitely role-model material.”
Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s programme of FREE activities and food for children and young people continues until 30 August.
“It’s an awesome initiative,” said Henry. “It was so cool to see it in action.”
The Olympic visit was made possible thanks to the Changemaker programme – a Team GB initiative funded by The National Lottery and UK Sport.
Hammersmith – Tokyo – Paris
Henry Fieldman’s passion for rowing was sparked during his time at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith.
Twenty years on, the 35-year-old cox made history in Paris as the first to win an Olympic medal in both women's and men’s events, following his bronze win at the Tokyo games in 2021.
Commenting on his Olympic record achievement, he said: “It wasn’t planned, I just wanted to win an Olympic medal – and could see that the women’s team was really, really strong.
“We didn’t really have a women’s eight when I joined, we sort of had to build one from scratch. To get selected and race with that crew has been awesome and one of the greatest experiences of my life and I’ll hold onto that forever.”
From Latymer Upper to Olympic success, his journey is a testament to H&F’s rich rowing heritage.
Flowing business
Following his time at the Hammersmith school, Henry went on to study Biology – and row – at Imperial College London.
The world-leading university has since moved its STEM hub to H&F’s White City Innovation District, a beacon of scientific and entrepreneurial excellence fuelled by H&F’s Industrial Strategy.
As part of his business, Coxing Consultancy, Fieldman now coaches people of all ages – including young coxes – helping them build on their strengths and improve their performance.
“The lesson I’ve learned is that rowing is teamwork personified – the boat won’t even travel forward without people working together. I think it’s just so awesome that Fulham Reach is providing that learning moment for local young kids.”
The club has opened its doors to 66 local young people as part of its Watersports Week programme this summer – 22% more than last year.
The charity is set to take part in this year's The Big Give campaign, offering residents a chance to support its 'rowing for all' mission. All donations will be match-funded and help pay for new boats and junior memberships for aspiring local rowers.
