AN OLYMPIC medal-winning rower has returned home to the North East to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Lauren Irwin, who won a bronze medal at Paris 2024 with the Team GB Women’s Eight rowing team, visited Parkside Academy in Willington, near her hometown of Peterlee, County Durham.
As Peterlee’s first Olympic medallist, Lauren encouraged students to aspire high, saying: “I hope I can show young kids that sport can make such a difference to their lives, and just how far it could take them.
“Getting into first swimming and then rowing really changed my life. I would love it if just one kid took up a sport they hadn’t tried before and loved it because of today. If just one of them goes away thinking ‘Actually, I could go to the Olympics one day!’ that would make it all worthwhile.”
During her visit to Parkside Academy, which is part of the Advance Learning Partnership, Lauren spoke to more than 100 Year 9 and Year 11 students.
“It’s just really nice to be asked to come and share my story, and show kids in our area that you don’t have to live down South to find success with sport,” she said. “I grew up in Peterlee and I’ve been to the Olympics, so I want them to see that you can start from anywhere!”
Aileen Baker, Parkside Academy’s enrichment coordinator, said: “We were just so delighted Lauren was able to visit our school and give our students the chance to meet a real local Olympian.
“It’s such an aspirational thing for the students to be exposed to. She’s a fantastic example of North East sporting talent, and it was our pleasure to welcome her to our school.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here