In Conversation with Helen Glover

Few people embody resilience, determination, and balance quite like Helen Glover. A four-time Olympian, mother of three, and passionate advocate for the power of nature, Helen has carved a path that goes far beyond the rowing boat. From finding her first lessons in grit running through sand dunes as a child, to showing the world that motherhood and elite sport can thrive side by side, her journey is one of courage, connection, and constant evolution.

In this conversation, Helen opens up about the lessons nature has taught her, the changing landscape for mothers in sport, and the importance of community in both rowing and family life. She also shares how her Ancient + Brave rituals have supported her training and recovery, and the values she hopes to pass on to the next generation.

1. Nature is such a big part of your family life - what has it taught you most?

Nature has always been a huge part of my life. As a child, it was my playground then it became my training ground and now it’s come full circle with watching my children playing in nature again. It has definitely taught me resilience. I remember running through driving rain in sand dunes as a kid and it requires a new level of determination and resilience.

2. Returning to rowing as a mother was inspiring. With more mums competing in Paris and even a nursery in the Olympic Village, how do you see motherhood in sport evolving?

I think the tides are turning on what society believes women can do and achieve post becoming a mother. Both in and out of sport, there is less of an expectation that life stops when you have a child. I found that when I combined Rowing with motherhood, I flourished in both of those areas in my life. I think it’s really important that women both in sport and why does society have options and opportunities when they start a family and that businesses and sports coaches alike see the value in having these women on board.

3. You’ve shown that motherhood doesn’t limit us, but also that women shouldn’t feel pressure to prove themselves. What do you hope others take from your journey, and what support is needed for those chasing big dreams alongside family?

I really hope that other women see my journey and feel empowered by it. Knowing that you can make the decision to go back to what you love or even start a new sport or hobby at any point in life or motherhood is really exciting. I will say the biggest thing is the support of others and the recognition from those around you that this is not only something that can be done but should be celebrated. In terms of making it work alongside a family, there was lots of compartmentalisation of my life. When I was Rowing, I was fully present and left it all on the doorstep to go home and be mum.

4. Teamwork runs through both rowing and family life. How has community and connection shaped your success?

In both of those areas of my life, I’m really fortunate to have wonderful teammates. At home, my parents Steve and my children have been there for me through every step. And at Rowing, my coaches and teammates in the boat with me have been a huge part of my journey.

5. Thinking of the next generation - in resilience, bravery, health, or connection to nature - what lessons matter most to you to pass on?

I often think about what I want to pass on to my children and in particular, my little girl. I look at how happy and content she is in herself right now and I want to work hard to protect her from outside noise as she grows nature plays a huge part in that as does sport. Celebrating your body for its strengths and power and ability to work with teammates and coaches is a wonderful way to appreciate yourself and prevent the pitfalls that come with the modern world such as The traps of social media and self-doubt

6. Even as a four-time Olympian, you’re still taking on new challenges like the SwimRun. What helps you push beyond your comfort zone, and what do you need to care for most in those times?

Whenever I come out of an Olympic cycle, I look forward to not being told what time to show up and what training to do but I very quickly realise that without a goal in mind I find it hard to motivate myself! So having fun and different goals such as endurance events or new sports gives me a reason to drag myself into the gym on the mornings by the kids have been up all night!

7. How does nutrition and supplementation support your training and recovery, and how have Ancient + Brave rituals helped?

True Collagen has genuinely revolutionised my training. I have a couple of old injuries which since taking collagen have improved more than anything else I have tried. I haven’t been very good at sticking to supplements throughout my career as I have never felt much of a difference. However, using Ancient + Braves True Collagen I won’t miss a morning of having it with my coffee because it genuinely does so much good.

8. You’ve been using True Creatine and Noble Collagen - how have they supported your performance and resilience?

I love the conversation around creatine at the moment, especially in women’s health. Feeling my maintenance and strength stay consistent allows my training to stay consistent even while juggling the school run and after school clubs. Part of my post Weights ritual is to have the creatine with a smoothie and it gives the extra boost to allow me to know I’m meeting my needs.

9. What are your top three go-to wellness rituals, and how do you make time for them?

Getting outside, I love the great outdoors and whether it’s a walk or run or sitting on the bench staring out to see there are mental and physical benefits every time you get outdoors. Reading to my children. Sometimes life can be chaotic as seem overwhelming. Often I’m doubting whether I am being a good enough mother partner or athlete. Sometimes grabbing a book slowing things down and just diving into a story with the kids calms the chaos around us all.

Music while I train. Sometimes on the days, I’m not feeling like exercise putting on the right soundtrack can transform my state of mind. The positivity that comes with training to music can last for the rest of the day!

10. What are the myths surrounding women’s training you wish would disappear?

There are so many! Training makes women appear less feminine- I particularly disagree with this one as the most feminine strong thing you can be is confident and powerful in your own self.  That you’ll never get back your fitness postpartum . Postpartum I really believe you can become stronger and fitter than ever. And it leaves behind the bounce back body scented approach and focuses on real fitness and strength. That we shouldn’t lift heavy . There are so many health benefits to women lifting weights and lifting them hard!