Earlier this month, Great Britain’s Olympic and Paralympic medallists were celebrated at a reception held at Buckingham Palace with the King and Royal Family. The occasion was somewhat overshadowed by the news that up-market grocery store Fortnum & Mason was hosting an after-party, but had neglected to invite the Paralympic team. Fortnum & Mason only responded to these accusations when Zac Shaw, a visually impaired sprinter, posted publicly about the snub.
This controversy followed an outstanding performance by the GB Paralympic team at Paris 2024, finishing second overall. Shaw voiced his frustration about the persistent disparity in how Paralympians are treated compared to Olympians, stating that brands and funding rarely show consistent support for disabled athletes between Games, reflecting a broader cultural issue.
This story reminded me of points made by Paralympic gold medallists Lauren Rowles and Gregg Stevenson when I interviewed them in the run-up to the Games. Lauren mentioned being removed from an opportunity in favour of an Olympic bronze medallist, despite having two Paralympic golds. Gregg noted that people often do not treat Paralympians as elite athletes, despite training as hard and as long. Both emphasised the need for equal recognition, coverage, and support, especially in the years between the Games.
Lauren also pointed out the unique situation in rowing, where events like Henley Royal Regatta and The Boat Race hold more prestige than the Olympics or Paralympics. These annual events are well-funded and attract massive audiences, while the Paralympics only occur every four years, leading to limited exposure between Games. This begs the question: why are there still no para events at Henley Royal Regatta?
When I was a junior rower, there were two events for schoolboys, but only one for schoolgirls. I asked why this was, and the answer I got was essentially people just don’t care about girls’ and women’s sports as much and that fewer women row than men. Yet, the addition of events like the Island, Wargrave, and Prince Philip Challenge Cups in 2021 proved the demand existed. These have since become enormously competitive events with some of the closest and most exciting racing. It’s clearly a case of ‘build it, and they will come’, and this should be applied to para events too. Anyone not already convinced by the excitement and high calibre racing in para events should watch the PR2 2x final in Paris, which was one of the most exhilarating races of both Games, and saw Lauren Rowles and Gregg Stevenson win a historic gold.
HRR is a highlight of the summer calendar, and it has become the most important race of the year for top amateur clubs. But it’s no secret that it tends to be somewhat behind the times. By the time HRR introduced more women’s events into the programme, women made up 44% of British Rowing registered rowers, but even with the extended programme, there are only 10 women’s events to the men’s 16. By introducing a new para event, HRR would have the opportunity to succeed where they have failed in the past, leading the way in inclusive, fair sports for all.
The appetite is there for athletes, who want the benefit and incredible experience of rowing at the most prestigious event in our sport. Both Lauren and Gregg agreed it’s long overdue. Similarly, Andrew Mangan, a US PR1 single sculler, noted the importance of including para events at major races like the Head of the Charles.
He commented: “[It] allows everyone in the rowing community to see the power and excitement of para racing and inspire anyone with a disability to try it out.”
The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta has already added para events to the last regatta, and Henley Women’s Regatta also has a successful and popular para event. I would suggest HRR take a similar, proactive stance, to encourage and inspire other events around the country and the world to do the same.
A para event at HRR would boost the exposure of elite para-athletes, in turn, inspiring clubs and athletes alike to include or try out adaptive rowing. Sports everywhere are adapting to become more inclusive, so HRR could align itself with the leaders in this movement, reinforcing its status as a top-tier event in the British sporting calendar. HRR has taken steps previously to celebrate para rowing, namely row-pasts by the Paralympic squads and City of Oxford Rowing Club to recognise 25 years of their adaptive team. It’s time to take that support a step further and demonstrate their voiced support with a para event within the racing programme.
The main counterargument I can foresee is that HRR is getting too big with too many events. However, solutions exist. Extending the regatta to a week-long format or restructuring to reduce the number of racing rounds could allow the inclusion of more events without sacrificing its appeal. Extending the event would give more crews a day off racing which, if anything, would give us better performances as the week goes on. Making the first few days cheaper would boost sales, getting more punters along to the banks and overall bring more business to vendors too.
Tradition is a strong part of Henley’s identity, but so is progress. In 1927, Worcester College of the Blind competed in the Thames Challenge Cup, showing that para racing is not new. Henley Royal must adjust to the times, or it will continue to exacerbate the problems of our sport: the glaring elitism and exclusivity. By championing para events, HRR could draw more supporters, funding, and media attention, benefiting para rowing and fostering a more inclusive sport overall.
Henley Royal should prioritise inclusivity and introducing para events would signal a commitment to progress and set a new standard for regattas around the world. We should always want our sport to grow, become more inclusive, and appeal to as many people as possible. It is the only way we can hope to survive and thrive as a sport.
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