Olympic champion and world record holder in double sculls — one of British rowing's finest.
Anna Laura Watkins was born in Nantwich, Cheshire in 1983. She won the Olympic double sculls gold with Katherine Grainger at London 2012 — setting a world record of 6:55.50 in the process. She won three World Championship titles. She retired from competitive rowing after London 2012 to start a family. She returned to elite rowing after two children, reaching the World Championship level again. She was awarded an MBE in 2013. Her partnership with Grainger — combining his contrasting physical styles — is considered the most technically complete double sculls pairing in British rowing history.
Best Known For
Olympic Gold (2012 double sculls)
Honours & Achievements
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold (2012 double sculls)
- World Champion 3x
- World Record double sculls
Career Journey
Timeline
1983
👶 Born in Nantwich, Cheshire
2012
🏁 Retired from professional sport
🏆 Olympic Gold (2012 double sculls)
🏆 World Champion 3x
🏆 World Record double sculls