Henry relishes 'normality' after winning Olympic gold

Lauren Henry got a heroes reception on her return to Leicester Rowing Club

Gold medal-winning rower Lauren Henry says she is glad to return to "a level of normality" at home after admitting the party that came with her Paris 2024 success felt surreal.

The 22-year-old was back at Leicester Rowing Club on the banks of the Grand Union Canal in heart of the East Midlands city just weeks after claiming a dramatic Olympic title as part of Team GB's women's quadruple sculls.

Before walking into the clubhouse, however, she made an early morning stop at the gym.

"I had a week off and then I was like 'right, I need to get back'. I love the racing and love the training and that is what I really enjoy," she told BBC Radio Leicester.

" I don’t necessarily like as much of the partying afterwards, I just really like the training.

"It's still quite low key for me, but is feels nice to be back into some level of normality."

Part of the celebrations was spending time at Paris' Champions Park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

"There was 13,000 people there cheering and you dance about," she said.

"It was amazing because we were with the other quads medallists, the Dutch and Germans, and we got to enjoy it with them.

"I've not done as much partying as such, but it has been a really great week."

Leicester Rowing Club is where Henry spent years working on her craft, rising fast through the junior ranks before quickly making an impression at senior level.

There are images of her in the club house where she is clutching silverware following past glories, but on her return she posed for a memorable new collection of photos with her Olympic gold medal in front of a message of congratulations hung on the wall.

"Leicester Rowing Club definitely does feel like my second home," she said.

"I have probably spent more hours here than I have at home. It's so nice to be back here and I look forward to spending more time here in the next few weeks."

Among those that she met up with at the club was long-time coach Howard Marsh.

Her photo-finish success, pipping the Netherlands at the line, was nothing Marsh had not seen of Henry in the past.

"She is totally full of grit, determination and enthusiasm," Marsh said.

"In fact, the very first race I saw her do she was well behind, like the Olympic gold, she was behind all way and wouldn't give in and she kept powering to the line for the win.

"She is somebody who would never quit."

Team GB rowers (l to r) Georgina Brayshaw, Lola Anderson, Hannah Scott and Lauren Henry pose with their Olympic gold medals