Hometown Honour for Paralympic Rower

Lauren Rowles OBE has received an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University.

Described by British Rowing as the ‘greatest Paralympic rower of all time’ when she announced her retirement from the sport last year, Lauren is a two-time World champion and three-time European champion.

“To be recognised by a university in the city where I grew up makes it even more special,” said 28-year-old Lauren, who has confirmed she will be returning to competitive sport as a wheelchair track racer.

“Birmingham has shaped so much of who I am, both as a person and as an athlete, so this feels kike a real full circle moment.

“Through sport, I didn’t just rebuild my physical strength; I rebuilt my confidence. My identity and my belief in what I was capable of.

“It gave me a community of people who didn’t see disability as a limitation but simply as part of who I was. That shift in mindset was transformational and ultimately led me to represent Great Britain and achieve things I never thought possible.

“Now I see disability as something to be proud of. It’s part of my story, it’s shaped who I am, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those experiences.”

Lauren was diagnosed with transverse myelitis at 13 and became interested in wheelchair track racing after watching the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

In 2015 she was scouted by British Rowing and a year later at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, Lauren claimed her first Olympic gold medal at 18.

“Access has to be considered from the very beginning, not added as afterthought,” said Lauren, speaking on the importance of sport and exercise for people living with disabilities.

“Most importantly, we need to stop focussing on what disabled people can’t do and start creating environments that unlock what they can.

“When barriers are removed and opportunities are there, the impact that sport can have on someone’s confidence, health and future is extraordinary.”

Lauren was also appointed an MBE in 2017 and an OBE in 2025 for her services to sport.

Photo: Lauren Rowles OBE receiving her honorary doctorate from the Lord Mayor Birmingham, Councillor Zaker Choudhry