Sir Steve Redgrave Named High Performance Director of China’s National Rowing Squad

Sir Steve Redgrave Appointed High Performance Director for Chinese Rowing Team

The Chinese Rowing Association has announced the appointment of five-time Olympic gold medallist Steve Redgrave as high performance director for its national rowing team, marking the first time the organisation has recruited a high-profile international figure to support its elite rowing programme.

In the newly created role, Sir Steve Redgrave CBE will oversee and guide a team of elite coaching professionals tasked with driving success for China on the world and Olympic stages.

Speaking about the appointment, Sir Steve said: “I am delighted to be taking up the post of high performance director for Chinese Rowing. I have visited China to watch the team train and compete and am very excited about becoming involved with such an enthusiastic and committed group of athletes.”

He added: “This opportunity was totally unexpected but, with two of my children working in the UK and one close to finishing university, my family and I feel it is the right time to commit to a new and exciting role.”

Widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest Olympians, Sir Steve won five consecutive Olympic gold medals during an illustrious rowing career spanning more than two decades. His achievements earned him an MBE, a CBE and a knighthood for services to sport.

Since retiring from competitive rowing, Sir Steve has remained heavily involved in sport, leadership and charitable work, using his experience and expertise to support athletes, organisations and major sporting initiatives.

Between 2006 and 2016, he worked closely with British Rowing’s chief women’s coach, helping athletes mentally prepare for the Beijing, London and Rio Olympic Games. The partnership contributed to multiple medal-winning performances, including several gold medals.

Sir Steve has also mentored a number of leading British athletes through Visa’s Olympic delivery programme, Team Visa, supporting stars including Mo Farah, Tom Daley, Beth Tweddle, Nicole Cooke, Paul Goodison and Richard Kruse.

His appointment in China represents the latest chapter in a career dedicated to developing sporting excellence and mentoring the next generation of elite athletes.

Sir Steve also played a major role in the successful London 2012 Olympic bid, serving as a board member of London 2012 Limited before later becoming the Government’s 2012 Sports Legacy Champion. In that role, he worked with Sport England and Government bodies to encourage greater participation in sport following the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Despite his new responsibilities overseas, Sir Steve confirmed he will continue in his role as Chairman of Henley Royal Regatta.

“Since taking up the role at HRR, I have enjoyed helping to guide an event with a huge amount of history, striving to enhance the occasion while keeping the longstanding traditions that make it so special. I will continue to be Chairman of the Regatta with the support of the Committee,” he said.

“My decision to take the position in China was not one I made lightly. With the Tokyo Olympics fast approaching, the new role in China will be demanding but I look forward to the challenge of helping China become one of the top rowing nations in the world while continuing to honour my commitments in the UK.”