Helen Glover, MBE, Sport, Debrett's 500 2016, People of Influence

Helen Glover, MBE

Rower

Rower Helen Glover's extraordinary 2015 saw her ranked number one female rower in the world, paving the way for success at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Glover and her partner in the coxless pairs Heather Stanning are current World, Olympic and European record holders, as well as reigning World, World Cup, Olympic and European champions – the first British duo to achieve all seven feats simultaneously. Glover won a scholarship to sporting Millfield School where she demonstrated outstanding discipline and commitment in cross country and hockey. Her rowing career was launched after she qualified for Steve Redgrave's Sporting Giants scheme in 2008, despite being technically an inch too short at 5'10 (she stood on tiptoes when she was measured). Four years later, and Glover had secured Team GB's first gold medal in the 2012 London Olympics.