Protecting Our Planet: Olympic Champion in Action（Exclusive Interview）

British rower Imogen Grant, alongside her teammate, won the gold medal in the lightweight women’s double sculls event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Shortly after her victory, she was named one of the recipients of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) 2024 Climate Action Award in recognition of her efforts to address climate change and promote sustainability in sports.

Imogen was honored for her contributions to improving river water quality through the Clean Water Alliance. She also played a key role in introducing new measures to help the UK Rowing National Training Center operate more sustainably. As an ambassador for the Rivers Trust, Imogen has participated in over 2,400 river surveys and encouraged public involvement in water quality testing activities and initiatives. Additionally, she has been active at various events across the UK, raising awareness about sustainability and educating athletes on the topic.

IOC President Thomas Bach congratulated the awardees, stating, “The innovative and impactful projects led by these recipients are making the sports community more sustainable. We hope that their efforts will inspire more people, within sports and beyond, to join collective action in addressing one of the greatest challenges facing the world today.”

At the time of receiving this news, I was in Cali, Colombia, attending the United Nations’ 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) on Biodiversity. Biodiversity and climate change are naturally and inseparably connected. Having recently covered the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, I attended the conference seeking connections between sports, biodiversity, nature conservation, and climate change. Learning about Imogen’s story, I conducted a remote interview with this Olympic champion and environmental advocate from my home country, the UK. Here is the full transcript of the interview.

May Zhao: What initially drew you to rowing? On the path to becoming an Olympic champion, what challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them?

Imogen Grant: When I was growing up, I wasn't interested in rowing at all! I thought it was a silly sport because you couldn't see where you were going. But during fresher's week, if you signed up for a rowing taster session you got two free drinks, so I put my name down. I loved it almost immediately, the feeling of improvement every session, and working together with a large group of people who all want to achieve the same goal. There is nothing better than rowing together on flat water under the sunrise. It was a long road from being a novice to becoming Olympic champion, nine years in fact, and there were always challenges along the way. Focusing on the things that I could control and improve was the way I could stay motivated, and not get overwhelmed by what we were trying to achieve

May Zhao: What inspired you to focus on water conservation? What personal significance does this shift hold for you?

Imogen Grant: I love rivers. I love walking next to them, I love paddling in them, and I love rowing on top of them. The UK has hundreds of rivers and they have shaped the landscape over centuries. I have been rowing for a decade now, and I have seen rivers getting worse in health and cleanliness, and it has affected our ability to train. As a rower, I get so much benefit from our rivers, so I think it is our responsibility to give back and campaign for what is right.

May Zhao: As a rower, you must have a deep appreciation for clean and healthy water bodies. How do you believe athletes can play a role in advancing environmental issues?

Imogen Grant: Times have changed, and athletes are no longer expected to 'shut up and play' any more. Fans and spectators look up to athletes not just as sporting idols, but also as role models within the world. I believe that athletes have the power to change things for the better, as long as we are confident enough to speak up. 

May Zhao: Receiving recognition from the International Olympic Committee must be meaningful. Has this acknowledgment motivated you to invest even more in environmental work?

Imogen Grant: I felt humbled to have received one of the IOC Climate Action Awards this summer. It feels like I have just gotten started in campaigning for sustainability and river health, and this award has motivated me to live up to its acknowledgement

May Zhao: What environmental values or messages do you hope to share with the public? What methods do you believe are most effective in promoting these values

Imogen Grant: Being in nature helps you care about nature. Get outside, join a club, go for a walk and experience it! It's easier to make changes when you care deeply about what you are trying to affect. And when trying to make change, remember that 98% is better than 0%, and having an all-or-nothing mentality is bad for progress

May Zhao: What are your plans for the future? Whether in sports, environmental protection, or other areas, what impact do you hope to create through your efforts?

Imogen Grant: At the moment I'm working as a doctor, ten years after starting my degree. I'm still training though, and hope to compete in LA in 2028. Otherwise, I hope that the next year will bring wider legislative change to the campaigning we have done over the past twelve months