Lauren Rowles, hailing from Bromsgrove, has made history as the first woman to secure a rowing gold medal at three consecutive Paralympic games. Her journey, however, extends beyond the accolades, touching on profound personal struggles and triumphs.

Rowles revealed a period in her life where she felt that being queer and living with a disability would preclude her from experiencing love. Diagnosed with transverse myelitis at just 13, which left her paralyzed from the waist down, Rowles faced significant physical and emotional challenges. Initially ashamed of her wheelchair, a pivotal visit to the 2012 London Paralympics, encouraged by her mother, transformed her perspective and life trajectory.

In addition to her physical challenges, Rowles struggled with undiagnosed ADHD during her school years, which made focusing difficult. Yet, sports became her sanctuary, a place where she felt unparalleled and exceptional. "When I got out on the football pitch, I ran, it didn't matter where you placed me, whatever sport it was, I just felt like I was like the best," she shared.

Rowles' story took another turn during the Covid pandemic when she came out as queer. She is now engaged to Paralympic basketball player Jude Hamer, with whom she welcomed a son in 2024. Reflecting on her journey, Rowles expressed, "There was a time in my life where I thought: 'I'm never gonna be loved'. But now, I'm so blessed that I have that."

Her resilience and achievements continue to inspire many, showcasing the power of adaptive sports in transforming lives. Listen to her full story on the LGBT Sport Podcast available on BBC Sounds.