Olympian and Durham alumna opens new landing at Hild Bede Boat Club

An Olympian and Durham alumna has opened a new landing at Hild Bede Boat Club.

The new post was first launched at the college by Lauren Irwin, who graduated in 2019.

The former sport, health and exercise returned to Durham to officially open the facility at her old college. The boat club is located along the River Wear, in Durham city, and was given support from a Durham alumnus, the university reports.

It builds on the pre-existing rowing infrastructure available to Durham students, including one of the UK’s only indoor university rowing tanks.

The university also prioritises the quality of its coaching staff, tailoring training to accommodate all abilities, from international to beginner, with access to high-performance programmes.

From St Hild and Bede to Team GB

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A post shared by Simon Forrest (@simonforrest_hb_principal)

Lauren, from Peterlee in County Durham, represented Team GB at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as part of the bronze-medal-winning women’s eight (W8+) rowing team.

She made history as Peterlee’s first Olympian, setting a precedent for the region’s global sportsmanship. The graduate joins a legacy of fellow Durham rowers, including Sophie Hosking MBE, London 2012 gold medallist, and Will Fletcher. Now the University’s Lead Rowing Coach, he competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Her career has seen her progress from a 14-year-old swimmer to an internationally renowned, medal-winning rower, inspiring a generation of young athletes.

Lauren’s achievements include three silver medals at the World Rowing Cup and European Championships, and a bronze in Shanghai’s women’s eight last month.

While at University in Durham, she won gold at the U23 Championships in the women’s four, while volunteering as a junior high performance coach.

‘Hild Bede will always be in my heart’

Lauren credited Durham University in playing a formidable role in laying the foundations of her future career, saying: “The support Hild Bede gave me as I advanced my rowing career had a big impact.”

Durham’s collegiate system also played a major part in shaping the beginnings of Lauren’s success.

She told the university: “I simply wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my college. From providing me with a home in Durham, to financial assistance too.

“I count myself lucky to have been part of this fantastic community. It’s amazing to be back here to support new rowers in their journeys with the opening of their new landing stage.

“I have lots of happy memories at Durham. Hild Bede will always be in my heart.”

‘Symbolic of friendship, fellowship and opportunity’

via Google Maps

Simon Forrest, St Hild and Bede’s college principal, said: “Lauren’s journey from Peterlee to the Olympic stage is a powerful example of what can be achieved through talent, dedication and the right support.”

He noted the landing’s regional importance beyond its practicality, referring not only to its proximity to the water, but its offering of “friendship, fellowship and opportunity.”

Simon celebrated Lauren’s successes as “the pride of Durham”, and eagerly awaits “what the future holds for her.”

The university has a longstanding history of producing athletes who go on to compete at both national and international levels after graduating.

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