Appointment of new Head Performance Coach

Lea Rowing Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Tom Wilkinson as the club's new Head Performance Coach, responsible for adult performance rowing. Tom will take up the role on a part-time basis while continuing his coaching position at St Paul's School.

Tom brings exceptional credentials to Lea Rowing Club, with an outstanding competitive record and extensive coaching experience. As a rower, he achieved remarkable success at Henley Royal Regatta, winning four times. Tom was also an experienced member of the Great Britain squad, representing the national squad at U23 level and the World Championships, claiming victory in the Men's Eight in the 2010 Rowing World Cup.

Over the past decade, Tom has established himself as a respected rowing coach, working professionally at three academic institutions. His coaching journey has taken him from Sir William Borlase's Grammar School to Mossbourne Academy in East London, and most recently to Pangbourne College.

Tom studied at the University of East London and is a Hackney resident like many of our members. Along with leading our performance programme for this new season, he will spearhead our efforts to recruit talented athletes from East London to succeed at the national and international level.

“We are delighted to welcome Tom to Lea Rowing Club for this new season,” said Charles Barry, Club Captain. “His proven track record both as an elite competitor and experienced coach makes him the perfect fit to lead our adult performance programme. As a club dedicated to enhancing rowing for all, performance rowing remains our most important focus, and Tom's local knowledge and international experience will be invaluable in growing the next generation of talented rowers from East London.”

Tom said: “I'm thrilled to be working with a group of talented rowers and coaches in a club imbedded with history and success at the highest level. The Lea Rowing Club has everything we need to achieve success and I can't wait to guide a group of athletes who want to go for it!”