Shaping the Future of British Rowing

Harriet Taylor, Class of 2021

“That attitude of openness and care I learned at LEH drives me to make rowing a sport where everyone feels supported and included.”

For Harriet Taylor, rowing has always been about more than medals. While the sport has taken her from LEH to Newcastle University and national competition, it has also inspired her to become an advocate for wellbeing, inclusion and positive sporting cultures. Today, alongside competing as a university rower, Harriet is helping shape the future of British Rowing by championing initiatives that ensure everyone can thrive, both on and off the water.

Creating a more inclusive future

Harriet believes that sporting success should never come at the expense of wellbeing. By encouraging clubs across the country to prioritise inclusion, mental health and supportive team cultures, she hopes to inspire lasting change throughout British Rowing. Her journey demonstrates that leadership isn’t only about personal achievement, it’s about creating opportunities for others to succeed too.

Whether competing in a boat or influencing national initiatives, Harriet is helping ensure that rowing becomes a sport where everyone feels they belong.

Girls' rowing team posing with medals and a trophy on a dock; Harriet is at the top right, caption mentions National Schools' Regatta 2021.

Discovering the power of teamwork at LEH

Harriet’s rowing journey began at LEH, where she quickly discovered a love of competition, teamwork and pushing herself beyond what she thought possible. Supported by dedicated coaches and surrounded by teammates who shared her ambition, she developed not only as an athlete but also as a leader. One of her proudest achievements came in 2021 when the LEH First Eight became National Schools’ Champions following months of disruption during the pandemic, “After two long lockdowns and endless solo training sessions, that win was the ultimate reward.”

LEH Rowing reinforced the resilience, commitment and collective spirit that continue to define her approach today.

Contune your passion beyond school

Now studying at Newcastle University, Harriet continues to compete at a high level while balancing the demands of university life. Inspired by the supportive culture she experienced at LEH and Newcastle, Harriet created a new British Rowing award recognising clubs that actively promote wellbeing, welfare and inclusion.

The idea emerged after Newcastle’s women’s first eight received University Crew of the Year at the British Rowing Awards, “I realised that what we were doing around wellbeing and inclusion could inspire others.”

Rather than simply celebrating sporting success, Harriet wanted to recognise the importance of creating environments where every athlete feels valued, supported and able to perform at their best.

LEH inspiration

Looking back, Harriet believes LEH shaped her understanding of what great leadership looks like. Alongside learning to row, she experienced a culture where wellbeing mattered just as much as performance, and where teachers and coaches genuinely cared about every student’s development.

“Teachers genuinely cared about every student’s mental health and wellbeing. That attitude has stayed with me.”

She also credits the school’s all-girls environment with giving her confidence to pursue leadership opportunities without ever questioning whether they were within reach, “I never once felt girls had fewer opportunities than boys.”

Those experiences continue to influence the way she approaches sport and leadership today.

Fearless Futures

What would Harriet’s advice be to current LEH students?

Success is about more than winning. The strongest teams are built on kindness, trust and looking out for one another. Whatever path you choose, don’t underestimate the impact you can have by creating environments where everyone feels supported, included and able to thrive.

“I learned to row and developed my passion for teamwork and inclusion.”