At Leander Club, International Women’s Day is moment to celebrate resilience, ambition and a legacy still in the making. Over nearly three decades, the women of Leander have transformed not only their own place within the club but also the landscape of British rowing. Their achievements – on the water, in training, and within the wider community – reflect a culture built on excellence, unity and the unwavering belief that progress is earned stroke by stroke.
This article brings together two powerful reflections from within the Leander community. First, Captain Lola Anderson shares her personal journey into a squad defined by both high performance and deep camaraderie, highlighting a season of extraordinary success. Then, Vice Captain Abigail Topp and Phoebe Snowden offer a broader look at the evolution of women at Leander, honouring the athletes, coaches, and supporters who continue to push the sport forward.
Together, these voices paint a vivid picture of what it means to be a Leander woman – driven, connected, and part of a legacy that is only growing stronger.
Lola Anderson writes:
As I reflect on my journey with Leander, I am reminded of the club’s remarkable legacy – a history of firsts and leadership within the rowing community. Joining Leander meant aligning with some of the nation’s top-performing athletes, where high-performance results are not merely aspirations; they are expectations.
What I did not anticipate, however, was the profound sense of warmth and companionship that accompanies this legacy. I joined the squad in the 2020/21 season, a time when COVID-19 and social distancing reshaped our understanding of high-performance training and racing. In the face of disruption and chaos, the women of Leander rallied together, fostering an environment of unity and support that became our daily motivation.
Under the relentless drive and tenacity of our coaches and leadership team, we achieved what once seemed impossible. Henley Royal Regatta, the pinnacle of our season, marked a triumphant end for many rowers. Our women’s squad not only excelled but set a new standard, winning the Remenham, the Wargrave, the Princess Grace, the Town, the Hambleden, and the Princess Royal Challenge Cup. These remarkable athletes demonstrated sporting excellence not just once, but multiple times, doubling their achievements in a stunning display of skill and determination.
Their accomplishments have not only elevated our club but have also set a precedent for women in the rowing community. I am immensely proud to be part of this and a club that continuously pushes the boundaries of what is expected and accepted as possible. Together, we champion the strength of women and redefine what it means to be a female athlete, something we can all be proud of as Leander women.
Abigail Topp and Phoebe Snowden write:
International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate what women do every day. Whether athletes, coaches or volunteers, we are proud to be part of the growing movement in women’s rowing that is expanding the sport we love.
This year marks 28 years of female athletes at Leander, and whilst this is only a small part of the two-century success of Leander Club, for almost three decades, women have strived to push the boundaries of what is possible on the water. The story of women at Leander is young but their achievements span Olympic medals, World Championships, European medals, U23 triumphs, and Henley Royal Regatta victories. Today, women are not just part of Leander’s story – they are central to it.
Their achievements are incredible; however it is the work that goes on beyond the podium that is just as inspiring and makes these women more impressive. Their desire to train hard, push themselves and each other to achieve their dreams, refusing to accept limits. The early mornings, hard winter miles and tough training sessions are faced with strength and unity which created a culture where talent thrives and ambition is encouraged.
From the first women joining Leander in 1997 to our squad today, every woman who has walked through the doors with their own story have paved the way for those who follow. They shape training environments, compete on an international stage and inspire those who look up to them. Our home stretch in Henley-on-Thames is a space where hundreds of other female athletes row every year whether that be during Henley Women’s Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta or during day-to-day training. When young girls see women training and coaching at the highest level, it changes what they believe is possible for themselves. We are proud that our women set an example and inspire the next generation as they stand on the shoulder of those who came before to inspire them.
At Leander, the women are supported with the same high-performance environment, resources, and expectations as their male counterparts. International Women’s Day is a chance to recognise the women whose contributions might be less visible on the water but equally vital – coaches, physios and support staff, administrators, volunteers, parents, and supporters. Their expertise and dedication form the backbone of our community and, without them, the successes on the water would not be possible.
Leander’s commitment to women’s rowing is not static; it’s a promise to keep pushing forward. We promise to keep expanding pathways for young athletes, investing in coaching and support structures, and ensuring that every woman who walks into the Club feels she belongs here. The next generation of Leander women is already emerging and are ready to do their bit to shape the future of the sport. Our role is to give them the platform they deserve.
International Women’s Day reminds us that progress is built every day, in every stroke they take, to believe in something bigger than themselves. At Leander Club, we are proud to celebrate the women throughout our community whose strength moves us forward. Their stories inspire us. And their legacy is only just beginning.
Looking ahead
Together, these reflections remind us that the story of women at Leander is one of courage, excellence, and collective strength. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour not only the achievements of today, but the foundations laid for tomorrow. The legacy continues – with every woman who walks through the doors and every young athlete inspired by those already on the water.
