Durham graduate and Team GB rower Lauren Irwin recently returned to her college to open a new student rowing facility.
Lauren, from Peterlee in County Durham, officially opened a new landing stage at the College of St Hild and St Bede Boat Club, on the River Wear in Durham City.
The new landing stage, where rowers access the river, was made possible through the generous support of a Durham alumnus.
It adds to the rowing infrastructure available to our students, which includes one of the UK’s only indoor university rowing tanks, coaching staff to support all abilities - international to beginner, and access to high-performance training programmes.
We’re proud to be one of the country’s leading universities for rowing and have a recognised history of producing athletes who compete at national and international levels.
Lauren’s involvement in the landing stage opening reflects her affection for the University as well as her college, and the place where she first honed her skills.
Lauren graduated in 2019 with a degree in Sport, Health and Exercise. She went on to represent Team GB at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as part of the bronze-medal winning women’s eight (W8+) rowing team.
In doing so, she made history as Peterlee’s first Olympian, joining a proud legacy of Durham rowers. Alumni include Sophie Hosking MBE, London 2012 gold medallist, and Will Fletcher, Rio 2016 competitor and now our Lead Rowing Coach.
The support Hild Bede gave me as I advanced my rowing career had a big impact. 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.
Encouraged by her PE teacher at Peterlee’s St Bede’s Catholic School, she transitioned from swimming to rowing at age 14 and joined Durham’s Junior High Performance Academy (JHPA).
Her talent quickly flourished, leading to international success including three silver medals at the World Rowing Cup and European Championships in 2024. In September this year she won a bronze medal in the women’s eight at the World Rowing Championships in Shanghai.
During her time at Durham, Lauren not only competed at the U23 World Championships, winning gold in the women’s four in 2019, but also gave back as a volunteer and junior high-performance coach.
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. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and the inspiration she brings to our students. The new landing stage is more than just a practical addition - it represents access to the water, and is symbolic of friendship, fellowship and opportunity. It will be the start and end of many journeys for our rowers for years to come. We hope Lauren carries a little bit of Durham with her wherever she goes, and that her story continues to inspire others to follow in her footsteps. We look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Lauren.
Left to right: Dominic Exworthy, President of Hild Bede Boat Club, Lauren Irwin, and Simon Forrest, Principal of the College of St Hild and St Bede.
Lauren, from Peterlee, County Durham, officially opening the new landing stage at our University’s College of St Hild and St Bede Boat Club, on the River Wear in Durham City.
Lauren cuts the ribbon to officially open the new landing stage for Hild Bede Boat Club on Elvet Riverside.
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