Two-time Olympic finalist Natasha represented Great Britain at Junior, Under-23 and Senior levels in the coxless four and women’s eight. She competed at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games, achieving a hard-earned fifth place on both occasions, and won a World Championship bronze in 2011 in Slovenia.
Natasha took after her older sister and joined a local boat club in Gloucester at the age of 11. She competed in her first Junior World Championships at 16, returning for a further two seasons and winning a silver medal in the coxless four in 2003.
During the first year of her studies at the University of Reading, she represented Great Britain and, together with her team mates Beth Rodford, Alison Knowles and fellow alumna Anna Watkins, was named Under 23 World Champion in the coxless
four.
Some of Natasha’s fondest memories include competing with Reading University Boat Club, particularly at a British Universities and Colleges Sports regatta where she raced with new athletes as well as Olympic star – and fellow Reading alumna – Debbie Flood.
Natasha was then called up to represent her country at the Olympics. She joined the GB senior squad and rowed in the women’s eight at the finals in the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games, placing fifth in both events. She won a bronze medal in the same class in the 2011 World Championships in Bled, Slovenia.
Natasha is now retired from professional rowing, but coaches the next generation of women rowers. Having coached at Oxford University Women’s Boat Club for three years, Natasha is now Head of Rowing at Queen Anne’s School in Caversham.
“Reading University Boat Club is fantastic in that it produces Olympic athletes as well as novice champions! I loved being part of this supportive, inclusive club.”
