Gold for Harry

On Saturday, 3 August, staff, pupils and alumni were glued to the TV screens as they watched former pupil Harry Brightmore (OKS 2012) claim Olympic gold in Paris.  

In his Games debut, talented Harry coxed the Men’s VIII to podium glory, celebrating the achievement by climbing onto the boat in an iconic image that was shared around the world.

Director of Rowing at The King’s, David Blackham, who remembers Harry well from his time at King’s, congratulated him on the incredible win.

He said: “I can’t tell you how proud I, the rowing club and the school were to see Harry achieve his Olympic dream.

“From the moment he started coxing at King’s, it was always his goal to be the best that he could be; he was always aiming higher and trying to be better.

“His determination and commitment have certainly paid off as he can now call himself an Olympic champion!”

Harry isn’t the first former King’s pupil to win Olympic gold as he follows in the footsteps of 2008 and 2012 Olympic rowing champion, Tom James MBE (OKS 2002).  

Mr Blackham continued: “In the same year that Tom won his first Olympic gold, Harry made his national-level racing debut for King’s at the National Schools Regatta.

“There is no doubt that Harry was inspired by Tom when the Olympic champion returned to King’s with his medal in 2008 and I am sure that it planted the seed of what could be possible in his own future.

“Fast forward 16 years and Harry is the one inspiring a new generation of rowers at the school. He gives them the belief that with hard work and dedication, they too can represent their country one day.”

Harry’s accomplishments include being a two-time European and World Champion in the men’s VIII, winning six Henley Regatta titles, including the Grand Challenge Cup in 2023 with Great Britain, and securing gold medals in all events in 2024.

Before leaving for Paris, he paid tribute to his former King’s coaches and teachers, saying: “It’s a childhood dream to be selected for the Olympics and that dream started 16 years ago at King’s.”

We can’t wait to welcome Harry back to King’s next term to congratulate him in person on such an incredible achievement and, of course, admire his gold medal.

Well done Harry, we are all very proud of you. 

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