Laurence Whiteley announces retirement from rowing

Double Paralympic champion Laurence Whiteley has announced his retirement from rowing.

Rowing alongside Lauren Rowles in the PR2 mixed double skull, the pair formed a formidable partnership winning a host of Paralympic, World and European titles.

First paired together in 2015, they quickly formed an impressive duo, qualifying the boat for the Rio Paralympic Games in their first regatta together before setting a new world best time on their way to winning Paralympic gold 12 months later.

World and European success was to follow in 2019 and 2021 respectively, before Laurence once again defended his Paralympic title alongside Lauren at last summer’s rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

“I’ve had a wonderful career with many memorable achievements and experiences. I’m grateful for the support of ParalympicsGB and the people I’ve worked with at British Rowing,” said Whiteley.

“Rowing the PR2 Mixed double with Lauren was special and she is destined for great things in our sport. But all good things must come to an end and for me that time is now. I have a new direction in life that excites me and I’m looking forward to the next exciting chapter.”

Whiteley’s retirement follows that of fellow two-time Paralympic champion and teammate James Fox who announced he was stepping away from rowing earlier this year.