Lola Anderson Wins Olympic Gold, Honoring Late Father’s Dream

Lola Anderson recently achieved her dream by winning an Olympic gold medal in rowing, a moment made even more special by the memories of her late father, Don.

At the competition held at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium, Anderson and her teammates in the women’s quadruple sculls narrowly beat the Netherlands, clinching victory by just 0.15 seconds.

Anderson, who was inspired to pursue rowing after watching the women’s pairs win gold at the London 2012 Olympics, had written in her diary at the age of 13 about her dream to represent Team GB and win an Olympic gold. At that time, she didn’t think much of it and tossed the note aside.

However, her father Don, who had rowed during his university days, found the discarded diary entry and kept it safe, only returning it to her seven years later, shortly before he passed away from cancer.

After winning gold, an emotional Anderson reflected on how much that piece of paper meant to her. “I didn’t believe back then,” she said, fighting back tears. “But my dad saw the potential in me that I didn’t see.”

She added, “I’m really grateful for everyone who has got me here, and I would be very proud if my dad was here to see this.”

The diary entry, which represents a significant part of her journey, now holds a special place alongside her gold medal, though she admits she worries about losing it when traveling.

Anderson expressed excitement about one day sharing her medal with her own children, believing it will inspire them just as her father inspired her. She encourages young girls to see the value in sports, emphasizing that strength and athleticism are important and empowering.

Alongside Anderson in the race were her teammates Georgina Brayshaw, Lauren Henry, and Hannah Scott. Brayshaw herself has an inspiring story, having faced serious health challenges after a horse-riding accident at a young age.

As they stood on the Olympic podium, Anderson and her teammates represented not only their hard work but also the potential that exists within all athletes, especially women, looking to carve out their own paths in sports.