We are delighted that Ollie has joined our BRIT Ambassador family.
Among his many achievements, Ollie won gold in the men's coxed pair at the 2016 World Rowing Championships.
“The BRIT 2021 Challenge is exciting, innovative and aims to raise vital funds for young adult mental health. Every university and college are invited to enter and their students can add to their team 2,021 mile target by walking, jogging, running, cycling, hand-cycling, wheelchair pushing, swimming, paddling or rowing. The Challenge is mindful of COVID-19 restrictions so students can participate safely; on campus or at home.
British Sporting Icons are being asked to become BRIT Ambassadors and support the 450 UK universities and colleges during the BRIT 2021 Challenge to inspire and encourage students. Visits will depend on COVID-19 restrictions and Government guidance, so BRIT Ambassadors can still champion the BRIT 2021 Challenge through Social Media activity, video messages and quotes of support.
I urge every current and former Olympic and Paralympic Rower to join me as a BRIT Ambassador at their former university or college, or one that is local to them.
It will be a pleasure to support BRIT as an Ambassador and encourage students to take part at Oxford University, LSE and the University of London.”
Ollie Cook
British Rowing World Champion
Oxford University, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and University of London Alumna
Between 2009 and 2012, Ollie completed his BSc in International Relations and History at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
During that time, he was Captain of the University of London Boat Club (ULBC), represented the Great Britain U23 rowing team, was awarded LSE Athlete of The Year and played for the LSE 1st XV rugby team.
In 2011, Ollie was part of the Row Zambezi Expedition that rowed 1,000km down the upper part of the Zambezi River in Zambia. The expedition was the first time anyone had rowed that part of the river. The expedition raised more than £25,000 for Village Water. Ollie was awarded the Russell King Scholarship for his fundraising efforts.
Ollie represented his country as a junior and at U23 level before becoming part of the senior squad in 2012.
He won gold in the men’s coxed pair at the 2016 World Rowing Championships.
Between 2016 and 2017, Ollie completed his Master's degree in History at Oxford University and whilst there, also completed the initial two term intensive beginners course in MS Arabic.
In 2017, Ollie and his brother, Jamie, were part of the winning Oxford University Blue Boat crew in the 2017 men’s Boat Race before Ollie returned to full time training with the Great Britain Rowing Team.
Ollie rowed in the bow seat of the men’s eight at World Cup III in Lucerne and also the World Rowing Championships in Sarasota-Bradenton.
In 2018, Ollie finished second at the Great Britain Rowing Team Senior, U23 and FISU Trials in an impressive performance with teenage partner and World Junior Champion, Felix Drinkall.