Leander Club Olympian Retires

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Leander Club and three-time Olympic gold medallist rower Pete Reed OBE has announced his retirement from international rowing with immediate effect today.

Reed won gold at three successive Olympic Games, at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, as well as five World Rowing Championship titles, making him one of rowing’s most decorated athletes.

Commenting on his decision to retire on the British Rowing website, Reed said: “It has been a huge privilege to represent Great Britain through almost two decades in the sport of rowing. To be able to travel the world, competing in a sport that I love, alongside such hard working and inspirational teammates has been incredible.

“I wish I could carry on in our wonderful sport forever but, looking back, I have absolutely no regrets. I am disappointed that I will not be able to go for a fourth consecutive gold medal at Tokyo 2020, but I have to be realistic; training and performance isn’t improving fast enough.

“Despite my best efforts, and with all my experience, I know I won’t get back to my best and I don’t want to be slowing down our great team as they work towards their dreams.

“Despite my best efforts, and with all my experience, I know I won’t get back to my best”

“I want to unreservedly thank the Royal Navy for their constant support from way back before my career began. They took a big chance with me as a young man with potential and I look forward to resuming my military career following my retirement from rowing.

“I would also like to thank my teammates. I’ve won major titles with 18 remarkable athletes and I want to thank them all for their help and support. To Jürgen [Grobler] and Hodgey [Andrew Triggs Hodge], there are no words.

“It is a relief to call time and it feels absolutely right to do so now. I look forward to taking more photos, going to bed after 9pm, telling more stories and going on a few new adventures.

“I don’t know what comes next but I would like to wish the GB Rowing Team all the success on the road to Tokyo 2020 and beyond.”