Six of the 42-strong rowing squad were Newcastle University alumni – a record number – and played a pivotal role in propelling Team GB rowers to their best ever overseas Olympic Games with eight medals.

James Rudkin and Tom Ford were part of the Men’s eight that won gold on the final day of the 2024 Olympic Rowing Regatta, crossing the line ahead of the Netherlands and USA. Both James and Tom are former Newcastle University Boat Club (NUBC) members and were each NUBC men’s captain – Tom in 2014 and James in 2015.

Earlier the same day. the Team GB Women’s eight, featuring Emily Ford, won bronze, only the second time Great Britain has ever won a medal in this event.

The medals are also double success for the family of brother and sister, Tom and Emily.

Emily said: “I tried rowing after watching London 2012, but I didn’t start as a natural. Mum and Dad didn’t push us into anything but they encouraged us – we tried all sports.” Tom added: “They encouraged us to follow our dreams and do what we enjoy. That happened to be rowing, and they’ve supported us ever since we decided that we wanted to do it full time and throughout university. Ultimately they’re the reason we were on that podium today.”

Both Tom and Emily had previously participated in the Tokyo 2020 Games and in the build-up to this summer, competed at the highest level: Tom won back-to-back World Championship titles with the Men's eight, and Emily took silver at both the 2023 and 2024 European Championships with the Women's eight.

Historic win

Also celebrating is English Literature graduate Lola Anderson, who was part of the team that won Team GB’s first ever gold medal in the Women’s quad. The Dutch crew had led from the start, but a final sprint and photo finish saw Team GB cross the line by just 0.15 seconds to top the podium.

Will Stewart and James Robson were also selected as reserves to represent Great Britain. 

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President, Newcastle University, said: “On behalf of the entire University community, I want to congratulate James, Tom, Emily, and Lola on winning their medals, we are all so proud of them. The three races were thrilling to watch, and testament to all their hard work and dedication, and that of University colleagues who have supported them.”

Fraser Kennedy, Sport Performance Manager, Newcastle University, said: “We are so proud of James, Tom, Emily and Lola. It’s amazing to see the progress they’ve made since leaving our rowing performance programme. I know all four valued their time when studying and rowing at Newcastle and the support they received from Angelo Savarino our Head of Rowing. We have great pathways in place at the University to allow our best student athletes achieve their sporting ambitions and this is a great example. Well done to our alumni rowers.”

(Press release adapted in part with thanks to British Rowing)