PHOTOGRAPHY BY REBECCA REID 

Rebecca Scown’s Incredible Journey

In the world of competitive sports, few exemplify the essence of strength and resilience as profoundly as Rebecca Scown. A double Olympic medallist, she won the bronze medal in the women’s pair at the London 2012 Olympic Games with Juliette Haigh, and silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Genevieve Behrent. She has carved her name into the history books of international rowing, embodying the grit and determination that define world-class champions. With an illustrious career spanning two decades, she has weathered the challenges with unwavering fortitude, setting a remarkable example for female empowerment on and off the water.

Rebecca Scown’s narrative is not just about winning medals; it’s about breaking barriers, inspiring the next generation and redefining what it means to be strong in a sport often dominated by sheer physicality.

Join us as we delve into Rebecca’s journey, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped her as an athlete and and has seen her pivot into charitable leadership for YES Charity, London. From triumphs on the global stage to overcoming personal hurdles, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the boundless potential of women worldwide.

How important is it for athletes to use their platform to inspire social change and awareness?
I believe most athletes feel empowered by their experiences in sport and naturally desire to help others and promote positive social change, especially when it aligns with their own lived experiences. As athletes, we are in a privileged position to use our platform for good.

Can you put into words what it’s like to compete at Olympic level and then bring home a medal?
This is hard to put into words, as there’s so much to say about all the training, highs and lows, experiences… competing at the Olympics is intense to say the least and I’m happy to not be doing it anymore because it is just so gruelling… but it was my total focus and passion and I really loved the pain and pushing myself as far as I could go. There’s a lot of pressure which you put on yourself throughout to make crews, to win international races, to qualify boats for the Olympics, to win your seat at trials and then to race on the Olympic stage pulling all of it together and delivering at this one moment to achieve your dreams.

Crossing the finish line and realising that you have achieved what you put your heart and soul into for me was first a relief, but then it becomes very emotional when you’re on the podium, seeing my family there, and it hits that I actually did it.

As a female athlete, how have you navigated challenges and stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated sport?
When I was coming up through the sport, I always felt that the men in the team and at my clubs had a lot of respect for female athletes and valued their contributions. I didn’t necessarily feel the same respect from those in positions of power and in charge of selection, especially in the earlier years when there was less structure in place to protect athletes.

I believed my best chance to navigate these challenges was to work hard, focus on selection in a small boat where I could clearly demonstrate my worth, and perform internationally. This way, I could position myself to be listened to and have more control over my destiny in the sport.

How has your journey in rowing shaped your perception of female strength and empowerment?
The women who came before me in rowing, those I looked up to and rowed with, were incredibly powerful, clever, driven, and high-achieving. They demonstrated their strength in how they faced the challenges of rowing and navigated their career changes when they hung up their oars. I have seen firsthand just how capable women truly are in every aspect and I’m very proud of all the women I have come across in my sport.

What role does self-belief play in achieving your athletic goals, and how do you cultivate it
Self-belief is incredibly important – what you think you’re capable of is what you will achieve. I was fortunate to have people in my life who fostered my self-belief from a young age. When someone else tells you they believe in you, it can be the catalyst for you to truly believe in your own capabilities. This confidence allows you to take risks, push yourself, and pursue big goals throughout your life, growing in self-belief with each achievement.

How would you describe your style?
I would say my style is clean and classic, but not afraid to be bold for the right occasion.

How has your sense of self-identity evolved from when you started your career to where you find yourself today?
I have learned a great deal about who I am, what my strengths are, and what approach to life and its challenges works for me. It’s powerful to know who you are.

How do you see the future of women in rowing evolving, and what changes would you like to see?
It’s great that the Olympics feature equal events for men and women in rowing. I’d like to see this equality extend to club events and regattas, such as the Henley Royal Regatta. Although progress is being made, there’s still work to be done. Increased participation of girls at school and club levels will improve performance and make racing more exciting.

We are starting to see more women in leadership positions within the sport too, but it would be good to see more.

In what ways has fashion played a role in your self-expression and identity?
I have always felt fashion has allowed me to control how people perceive me. I appreciate that I have been able to change my image at different points in my life through fashion when I want to evolve in new ways and take up new roles.

Do you have a particular fashion piece that makes you feel energised and positive?
Summer dresses – in particular the ones I wear at the Henley Royal Regatta each year. I’m always excited for the regatta, it’s a fantastic week catching up with old friends and reconnecting with my sport. I like feeling feminine there and the dresses reflect that.

What do you love most about Borgo de Nor?
The unexpectedness of it paired with flattering shapes. Every piece feels so well thought out and purposeful.

How does wearing a Borgo de Nor piece make you feel?
Excited to go out and enjoy the world, confident and feminine.

Can you describe Borgo de Nor in three words?
Bold, uplifting, beautiful

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