Tearful Lola Anderson tells of the binned ‘dream’ note that her dad recovered
The Team GB rower’s father Don died in 2019.
An emotional Lola Anderson reflected on the treasured diary entry her late father returned to her outlining the dream to win Olympic rowing gold one day.
Anderson helped Great Britain’s women’s quadruple sculls to Paris glory as the Netherlands were beaten into silver by just 0.15 seconds at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.
At London 2012, a teenage Anderson had been inspired by Helen Glover and Heather Stanning’s rowing triumph in the women’s pairs and scribbled a short entry in her diary.
Anderson, 26, would later throw the note in the bin, only for dad Don to return the diary entry to her seven years later, two months before his death from cancer.
“I threw that away because I didn’t believe,” said Anderson, choking back the tears after winning Olympic gold with teammates Georgina Brayshaw. Lauren Henry and Hannah Scott.
“I mean I was 13 at the time, so why would you believe that?
“My dad saw it before I did. He saw the potential I had, but my potential wouldn’t have been unlocked without the girls that crossed the line with me today.
“I’m grateful for everyone who has got me here and I would be very proud if he was here.”
“I always get a bit nervous taking it anywhere with me,” she said. “What happens if a suitcase gets lost, or something like that?
“It’s a piece of paper but it’s the most valuable thing I have, maybe joint with this now. It’s safe in a tin with all my dad’s old medals.”
Anderson admits she cannot wait to show her children her gold medal one day.
“But given that this journey started with my dad and my family, I can’t wait to show this medal to my children some day and inspire them to take a path.
“There’s nothing unfeminine about getting strong and athletic and enjoying being aggressive.
“Young girls out there are starting to explore the joys of sport, how freeing it is and how much confidence it gives.
“I want all the young girls to feel the same way we do now.”
