Olympic rowing medallist Sarah Winckless inspires Herts and Essex High School students with talk

An Olympic medallist who lives with a genetic disorder inspired 80 Herts and Essex High School students with her story of resilience, determination and optimism, writes Romily Roberts.

Former Team GB rower Sarah Winckless MBE, who won bronze in the women’s double sculls at the Athens Games in 2004, was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease whilst studying at the University of Cambridge.

Huntington’s is a progressive brain disorder that causes the gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the brain for which there is no cure.

But Winckless, who also won two world championship gold medals in the women’s quad, has been used to overcoming obstacles and challenges. Her CV is a catalogue of firsts and a testament to her resilience and positivity.

Winckless, who also competed at the 2000 Sydney and 2008 Beijing Olympics, was the first female umpire of the Men’s Boat Race, the first female chair of the British Olympic Association Athletes’ Commission and was named a Sky Sports and Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year. She has also been the UK chef de mission at the Youth Olympics.

But her achievements go far beyond this. She is a passionate patient advocate for Huntington’s disease. Although most people who test positive start showing symptoms between the ages of 30 and 50, Winckless has now surpassed this age bracket.

She has become a dedicated voice for Huntington’s awareness, lobbying Parliament and speaking out to support others affected by the condition and showing that life can still be full and rewarding even with a difficult prognosis.

Her overriding message to the Herts and Essex pupils and her personal philosophy – “Thoughts give the playlists to your days” – left a powerful impression and serves as a reminder that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can choose how to respond.

For the students who met her, tried on her medals and heard her story first-hand, the experience was more than just a chance to meet an Olympian – it was a lesson in strength, courage and the power of a positive mindset.

Winckless’ journey continues to inspire, proving that a champion’s legacy is not just about winning medals but about lifting others up along the way.

Article author Romily Roberts, 17, lives in Stebbing and is studying psychology, English literature and history A-levels at Herts and Essex High School. She spent three days’ work experience at the Indie in her summer holiday.