James Fox hangs up his oar after announcing rowing retirement

James Fox has announced he will be hanging up his oar with immediate effect after confirming his retirement from rowing.

A two-time Paralympic champion, Fox formed part of the mixed coxed four that took gold last summer at Tokyo 2020 alongside Ellen Buttrick, Giedre Rakauskaite, Ollie Stanhope and Erin Kennedy (cox).

In doing so Fox successfully defended the title he won five years earlier at Rio 2016.

Also a reigning world and European champion, as well as the current world record holder for the fastest Para-row in the mixed-coxed four, Fox went unbeaten since stepping into the GB boat in 2013.

“I have loved my time in the squad and it really has changed my life, but it’s time to step away and apply what I have learnt from the Team into a new venture, whatever that may be,” said Fox.

“I’m really proud of what we have achieved over the last 10 years, both on and off the water, but what means most to me is that I am able to bow out on my own terms.

“I’m not injured or ill and I’m stepping away at my peak. As rowers, we constantly tread a fine line between training hard and overdoing it, and I’ve been caught on the wrong side of that line a few times, so this isn’t always the case. I feel incredibly fortunate to have the choice.”

Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGb Chef de Mission at Tokyo 2020 said: “James should be immensely proud at all he has achieved in rowing – including representing ParalympicsGB at two Paralympic Games - and winning gold on both occasions.

“His efforts at Rio 2016 and again at Tokyo 2020 as part of the mixed coxed fours were an absolute joy to behold, and while we will all miss his immense talent and warm, engaging personality, I know he will excel in whatever he chooses to do next.”