The Runna Podcast Novice to Gold in 4 Years & Redefining Motherhood in Elite Sport: 4x Olympian Helen Glover
Oct 3, 2025
In this engaging discussion, two-time Olympic champion Helen Glover shares her incredible journey from novice rower at 21 to Olympic gold medalist in just four years. She reflects on the mental resilience needed for success and opens up about her transformative return to elite rowing after starting a family. With a silver at Paris 2024, Helen breaks barriers for mothers in sports and reveals her excitement for new challenges, including training for the Oxford Half. Her story shines a light on redefining motherhood and the joy of competing.
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Late Start To Olympic Gold
- Helen describes being recruited into rowing at 21 via Sporting Giants and starting from scratch four years before London 2012.
- She credits prior varied sport and mindset foundations for accelerating rapid progress into Olympic gold.
Environment Multiplies Talent
- Rapid gains came from high-quality sessions, the right coach and teammates, and relentless commitment.
- Helen emphasises being in the right environment with supportive people as a multiplier for talent.
Treat Every Session As Essential
- When time is limited, treat every session as essential and maximise focus and quality.
- Use the urgency of a deadline to squeeze consistent, high-value progress from each workout.