With Olympic silver medals from Sydney in 2000, Athens in 2004, and Beijing in 2008, as well as four world championships titles in her collection, Katherine is Britain’s most successful female rower.  She was appointed MBE in 2006 for services to rowing, and her Olympic achievements make her the first female British athlete – in any sport – to gain medals in three consecutive Olympic Games.

In Katherine’s nomination she says ‘Ken was my art teacher at school but more importantly he was the guy who unearthed my passion for sport. He taught karate at the school in his lunchtime, giving up hours of his time every week to encourage, nurture, inspire and mentor kids of all abilities. He believed in my abilities long before I did, and always made the learning and training fun – a lesson I keep with me now as I compete internationally in rowing. He continues to run school clubs and also clubs in the evening, helping a huge number of people from the community to get fit, learn a new skill, push their boundaries, make new friends, challenge themselves, gain more self-confidence and enjoy themselves. He genuinely made a difference to my life and continues to do so for many many others every day.’ 

The nomination page can be found here: http://www.bankofscotlandlondon2012.co.uk/en/carrytheflame/Nomination/?nid=6c24c721-e10d-4cbd-b738-e09195699884