Dame Grainger makes history as first female Olympic chair

Dame Katherine Grainger has become the first female chair of the British Olympic Association in its 119-year history.

The rowing champion said it was a “huge honour” to take on the role after Team GB announced her success.

Dame Katherine is the only British woman to win medals in five successive Olympic games.

She will now take over as chair from Hugh Robertson in early 2025, after 46 members of the National Olympic Committee voted to elect her.

Berkshire-based Dame Katherine posted a statement on social media after the news was revealed.

She said: “The Olympics has been central to my life for nearly 30 years.

“As an athlete I felt first-hand the incredible influence and impact sport has on people’s lives.

“During my time as chair of UK Sport, I have learned the power of collaboration as part of this impressive eco system that enables Olympic sport to flourish in the UK, and so I look forward to embarking on this next chapter.”

Taking on the position as chair of the British Olympics Organisation (BOA) makes Dame Katherine the first woman in the role since its establishment in 1905.

A statement from Team GB described the athlete as a “highly respected figure in sport”.

After retiring from her 20-year rowing career, Dame Katherine was appointed as chair of UK Sport, where she has worked to create a new direction for Olympic and Paralympic sport.

She will now finish her term with UK Sport, before moving into her role with BOA.

Andy Anson, the CEO of the BOA, said: “Katherine is an esteemed figure in high-performance sport, recognised in the British sporting community as a steadfast leader as well as one of our greatest ever Olympians.

“We are looking forward to working with her in the build-up to and during Milano-Cortina 2026 and Los Angeles 2028.”