ParalympicsGB Unveils Rowing Squad for Paris 2024

Rowing for ParalympicsGB in a newly introduced boat class at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be accomplished duo Sam Murray and Annie Caddick. For Murray, this exciting new event represents the fulfilment of a long-held dream that took root back in 2007 during a talent identification event where he was first recognised as a potential rowing athlete. Since their partnership began in 2023, Murray and Caddick have quickly made headlines, recently clinching the title of European champions.

“We’ve put so much work in, and for me personally, it’s been a long journey of being in and out of the squad for a number of years,” Murray expressed with palpable enthusiasm. “Now to be selected for Paris, it’s very exciting. The lure of coming back was to race in this new event, and being so close to home is a bonus, as so many people are coming out to support us.”

Caddick shares Murray’s excitement, stating, “Each day it gets a bit closer, and I get a little more excited and a little more nervous. Sam and I have built a great partnership, and we are looking forward to being the first to represent Great Britain in this boat class. The competition is fierce, and the standard is very close, so I think we’ll see some thrilling racing!”

Strong Foundations and High Aspirations

The achievements of ParalympicsGB’s rowing squads resonate with a legacy of excellence. Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe noted, “The past achievements of our rowing squads speak for themselves. Their hard work, dedication, and innate talent have consistently paid off. This squad of ten athletes, who have already made a significant mark on the World and European stage, is no different. I’m delighted to welcome all 10 athletes to the ParalympicsGB team for Paris 2024 and can’t wait to see them in action this summer in Paris.”

As rowing continues to be a top-performing sport for ParalympicsGB, Tom Dyson, Head of Olympic and Paralympic Performance Delivery, emphasised the potential of this new squad. “While our selected athletes are a mix of returning Tokyo 2020 Paralympians and those who will embark on their first Games in Paris, every one of them boasts a Paralympic, World, European, or World Cup gold medal to their name. When you combine their talents with a world-class group of coaches and support staff, excitement builds for what the team has trained to deliver in Paris!”

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The UK is preparing to send around 230 athletes competing in 19 sports to Paris, promising an inspiring spectacle of competitive spirit. In Tokyo 2020, ParalympicsGB made history, winning medals in a record-breaking 18 different sports, the highest number of any nation in history. With an impressive haul of 124 medals, including 41 golds, 38 silvers, and 45 bronzes, the pressure is on for the British squad to surpass these achievements.

Meet the Crews of ParalympicsGB Rowing

With an unwavering dedication to excellence, the ParalympicsGB rowing teams feature remarkable talents representing multiple regions. Below is a list of the team members competing in various boat categories:

PR3 Mixed Coxed Four (PR3 Mix 4+)

• Frankie Allen (Oxford Brookes University BC) – from Wallingford, Oxfordshire
• Josh O’Brien (Molesey BC) – from Naseby, Northamptonshire
• Giedre Rakauskaite (Worcester RC) – from Worcester / Kaunas, Lithuania
• Ed Fuller (Reading University BC / Nautilus RC) – from Exeter
• Erin Kennedy (cox) (Leander Club) – from Wantage, Oxfordshire

PR3 Mixed Double Sculls (PR3 Mix 2x)

• Sam Murray (Molesey BC) – from Guildford
• Annie Caddick (Molesey BC) – from the Isle of Wight

PR2 Mixed Double Sculls (PR2 Mix 2x)

• Lauren Rowles (Birmingham RC) – from Birmingham
• Gregg Stevenson (Agecroft RC) – from Colne (Near Burnley)

PR1 Men’s Single Sculls (PR1 M1x)

• Benjamin Pritchard (City of Swansea RC) – from Mumbles, Swansea

As anticipation builds, the preparation for Paris 2024 intensifies. Each heartbeat, each stroke of the oar serves as a reminder of the determination and resilience that defines these athletes. Will Murray and Caddick etch their names into Paralympic history and elevate ParalympicsGB to new heights? Time will tell, but one thing is certain: their journey holds the power to inspire.