Our Ambassadors

We are incredibly lucky to have the support of one of the country's top Ironman athletes, John McAvoy, who is a true testament to the importance of sport. He is currently the only Nike sponsored triathlete in the world however he was previously a high profile armed robber who has found redemption through the power of sport. Having broken both British and World indoor rowing records whilst in prison he is now forging a new life as an endurance athlete and speaker who is committed to using his story of rehabilitation to help and inspire others to change their lives for the better.  You can see John's website here therealmcavoy.com

Jess is the Olympic Silver Medallist from the Women's Eight at the Rio 2016 Games.  She began rowing in her hometown at Durham Amateur Rowing Club and went on to debut in the GB Junior Team at the 2001 World Junior Championships.  She became one of the most experienced members of the GB Team collecting a total of six medals on the international stage.  As well as this Jess was also part of the crew which holds the course record for the Women's Head of the River Race.  Speaking about her involvement with FRBC Jess said, "I think it's fantastic to see the impact that rowing is having on these young people.  When you're competing on the world stage it can be easy to forget how special this sport is and how it can genuinely help someone improve their life.  I can't wait to see the stories that come out from all of the students affected by being in a boat!"

Schuyler is an example of how our work can lead to opportunities with the potential to change a young person's life. There wasn't a school that would support Schuyler, and whilst being homeschooled, his father came across a council ad by chance which talked about the rowing opportunities available at FRBC.  He found a welcoming community that stood by him at FRBC and this has enabled him to grow in many ways, both in the boat and beyond it. Picking up a few British ergo records along the way, Schuyler has shown us the rewards of hard work and has gone on to now study at Eton College on a full scholarship.

We are incredibly proud to welcome Rosa Thomson as the latest Ambassador for Fulham Reach Boat Club!

Rosa learnt to row at FRBC as a junior. Now she is a full-time athlete at Leander Club and has won a bronze medal at the 2022 European Rowing Coastal and Beach Sprint Championships.

Rosa was state-school educated and grew up in Harlesden. Rowing at FRBC provided her with an outlet whilst facing pressures at school and home and helped improve her confidence.

She recalls seeing athletes at Leander Club boating from FRBC but did not believe she could ever be part of this prestigious group. She now believes that, through hard work, we can create opportunities for ourselves regardless of where we come from. She hopes to give back to the sport that changed her life for the better and provide opportunities for young adults to engage in sport.