Video: Olympic gold medal winner returns to King’s

“It’s incredible to be back as, ultimately for me, this is where it all began.

“I very clearly remember Tom James (OKS 2002) coming in with his Olympic Gold from Beijing… that was the first time I’d come across a real person who’d been to the Olympics.

“King’s has a fantastic tradition of producing really good rowing coxons who have gone on represent themselves in university first VIIIs and internationally. That helped me believe that I could do something like that as well. Having that representation in the school made me believe that anything was possible.”

At the end of September, just a few weeks after he won Olympic Gold in the Men’s VIII Rowing event at the Paris Olympics, we welcomed Harry Brightmore (OKS 2012) back to King’s.

Over the course of two exciting days, Harry spent time with pupils in Willow Lodge, Junior School, Senior School and at the boat club where, years ago, his dream of rowing at the Olympics began. 

Visiting infant and junior school classes, Harry was accompanied by Director of Rowing, David Blackham, who enjoyed seeing the children’s reactions to the gold medal. 

He said: “It was a joyous two days. In every classroom, the children’s eyes lit up as they held the medal and took the opportunity to ask Harry about his experience in Paris.

“There is no doubt that Harry’s visit will be a memory they hold dear for a long time to come; knowing that a boy who walked the same halls, sat in the same classrooms and even had the same teachers could go on to win an Olympic gold medal is truly inspirational.”

The two afternoons spent at The King’s School Rowing Club’s boat house on the River Dee were a highlight for Harry. 

As well as chatting to current rowers – and posing for selfies with them – Harry was thrilled to catch up with three of his former rowing coaches.

Neville Orme, Robert Parry and Duncan Little all coached Harry when he rowed at King’s and, having followed his career over the years, were first in line when they heard that he was returning to the boat house.

With Headmaster George Hartley by his side at the boat club, Harry officially opened the rowing club’s refurbished gym, unveiling a plaque that marked the occasion and taking the opportunity to reflect on his own time at the club. 

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As he left King’s to return to Oxford where he is starting a new role as rowing coach at the Oxford University Boat Club, Harry thanked everyone at the school for the warm welcome he received.

He said: “I have felt so welcome being back. Reliving lots of special memories has meant so much to me. Thank you.”

Click on the video above to hear Harry talk about his visit and about how his time at King’s shaped his success as an Olympic athlete.