Civil Service Live
Profile: Alison Mowbray
Alison was on the British Rowing team for seven years and competed in five World Championships and two Olympic Games. A sporting disaster area at school and having not even stepped in a boat until she went to Liverpool University at the age of 18, Alison then kept rowing on the back burner for many years while she pursued an academic career. Having achieved a PhD in Genetic Engineering from Cambridge University in 1997 at the age of 26 she moved to London to attempt National selection.
Alison made the British rowing team that year and two years later achieved last minute qualification for the Sydney Olympics where she finished 10th in the single sculls event. It was not until then, at the age of 29, that an Olympic medal seemed even a possibility. Before the Sydney Games was over Alison had decided she wanted to row for four more years, go to Athens and come back with a medal.
Balancing part-time teaching with full-time training, the story of the next four years is one of dedication, teamwork and personal leadership. In Athens in August 2004 Alison rowed the race of her life and came home with an Olympic Silver Medal. Having achieved her own dream Alison now works to help and motivate others.