Physio student to make Paralympics debut in Great Britain rowing squad

As the first woman in sports history to win double world championship titles in one regatta and smashing multiple world records, Frankie is one to watch as the GB Para-Rowing Team competes at the Games.

Frankie and the ParalympicsGB squad rowed their way into the finals in the Mixed Cox Four heat on the second day of the Games achieving a new world best time of 6:43.68. With an impressive 13 year winning streak in this event, Frankie and the team will be going for gold in the finals this Sunday.

Frankie, who is 22, said: 'After all the hard work and long hours training, earning selection for the Paralympic Games is a dream come true.

'I’d like to express how grateful I am to the physiotherapy department at Oxford Brookes for the support and flexibility they have given me in juggling my time between rowing aspirations and study commitments.'

ParalympicsGB have qualified 19 sports, with over 200 athletes competing. ParalympicsGB head physiotherapist Catherine Smaill gives an insight in to the work of the physios supporting the athletes, in a Frontline column, see attached.

The Paralympic Games take place until 8 September, with the rowing events happening over three days at the Vaires-sur-Marne nautical stadium in eastern Paris.

ParalympicsGB’s squad of five women and five men will be competing in four different boat categories. 

Shortly after starting her studies in 2020, Frankie trialled for GB Para rowing team, and alongside her Paralympic team mate, Giedre Rakaskaite, became the first woman in sports history to win two world championship titles in one regatta. Frankie and Giedre became double world champions in the Mixed Fours and PR3 Women’s Pair at the World Rowing Championships of 2022, while also breaking a world record in the Mixed Four race. 

Then in 2023, Frankie was again part of the Mixed Four crew with Giedre, and they broke their own world record at the World Rowing Cup II 2023, and also defended their World Rowing Championship title from 2022.