University News Last updated 30 July
“Don’t let other people’s expectations define your potential,” is the message to graduates from Lauren Rowles OBE as she accepted her honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University (BCU).
British Rowing described her as the “greatest Paralympic rower of all time” when she announced her retirement from the sport last year.
She received her honorary doctorate during BCU’s graduations at Symphony Hall today (Thursday 30 August).
“To be recognised by a University in the city where I grew up makes it even more special,” Lauren said.
“Birmingham has shaped so much of who I am, both as a person and as an athlete, so this feels like a real full circle moment.”
The 28-year-old is also a two-time World champion and three-time European champion in rowing.
But it’s not over for the three-time gold medallist who has confirmed she will return to wheelchair track racing.
Lauren added: “Through sport, I didn’t just rebuild my physical strength; I rebuilt my confidence, my identity and my belief in what I was capable of.
“It gave me a community of people who didn’t see disability as a limitation but simply as part of who I was. That shift in mindset was transformational and ultimately led me to represent Great Britain and achieve things I never thought possible.
“Now I see disability as something to be proud of. It’s part of my story, it’s shaped who I am, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those experiences.”
Lauren was diagnosed with transverse myelitis at 13 and became interested in wheelchair track racing after watching the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
In 2015 she was scouted by British Rowing and a year later at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, Rowles claimed her first Olympic gold medal at 18.
Speaking on the importance of sport and exercise for people living with disabilities, Lauren said: “Access has to be considered from the very beginning, not added as an afterthought.
“Most importantly, we need to stop focusing on what disabled people can’t do and start creating environments that unlock what they can.
“When barriers are removed and opportunities are there, the impact that sport can have on someone’s confidence, health and future is extraordinary.”
Lauren was also appointed an MBE in 2017 and an OBE in 2025 for her services to sport.
Photo: Lauren Rowles OBE receving her honorary doctorate from the Lord Mayor Birmingham, Councillor Zaker Choudhry