Olympic gold medallist 'humbled' to receive honour

Lauren Henry won gold for Great Britain in the women's quadruple sculls rowing at the Paris 2024 Olympics

An Olympic gold medallist says she is "truly humbled" to receive the Freedom of the District in celebration of her sporting achievement.

Lauren Henry MBE, from Lutterworth, Leicestershire, won gold for Team GB in the women's quadruple sculls rowing at the Paris 2024 games.

The 23-year-old's mother and aunt accepted an honorary scroll on her behalf from Harborough District Council on Monday.

She said it was an "honour and privilege" to be granted the award and thanked her parents for "allowing me to pursue my dreams".

Lauren Henry's family received the honorary scroll from council chair Peter Elliott

The Freedom of the District is the highest honour the council can bestow and is given to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement.

The authority announced it would give Henry the honorary title of freewoman last year.

She said: "It is both an honour and privilege to receive the Freedom of the District and I am truly humbled.

"I would like to say thank you to my family, especially my parents, for being so unbelievably supportive and allowing me to pursue my dreams.

"They didn't know that I would end up winning an Olympic gold when I started rowing, but nonetheless they supported me wholeheartedly to do what I loved."

Henry, who received an MBE for her services to rowing in the latest New Year Honours, also won gold in the European and World Championships last year.

Lauren Henry has been described as a "wonderful ambassador" for the Harborough district

"I feel very proud that I get to represent the area and that I am still able to race for Leicester Rowing Club where possible," she added.

"I am very excited to be taking on a new chapter in my rowing career and racing in the single scull.

"It has been a dream of mine for many years and I'm really looking forward to racing in the European Championships."

Henry joined Leicester Rowing Club at the age of 13, quickly working her way through the junior and U23 ranks.

Council leader Phil Knowles said: "Lauren is a wonderful ambassador for Harborough district, much loved and highly respected.

"She is a role model for everyone and we are so proud of everything Lauren has done and will continue to do."