Northern Ireland

Coleraine celebrates as local hero Hannah Scott wins gold in rowing

The 25-year-old was part of Team GB’s quadruple skulls crew that edged out the Netherlands following a dramatic finish

People in the centre of Coleraine in Northern Ireland at an Olympic big screen watch-along event
People in the centre of Coleraine in Northern Ireland at an Olympic big screen watch-along event (David Young/PA)
By John Breslin

Crowds gathered in the Diamond in Coleraine on Wednesday to watch and celebrate as Hannah Scott powered her way to a gold medal, part of Team GB’s women’s quadruple sculls crew.

The 25-year-old, along with fellow crew members, edged out the Netherlands in a photo finish, beamed out on a big screen in the town centre.

Supporters were on their feet cheering and shouting as the crew made a dramatic come back in the late stages to win by just 0.15 seconds.

Crowds in Coleraine celebrate Hannah Scott’s gold medal win .
Crowds in Coleraine celebrate Hannah Scott’s gold medal win . (David Young/PA)

Among those in the Diamond was her former coach at Bann Rowing Club, Seamus Reynolds, who said: “It’s amazing what she’s achieved in such a short time in her career.

“As a young girl she came down to the Bann Rowing Club, stuck by the rowing club’s programme and through the junior coaches right through.

“Her transition from a junior rower to a senior rower was very quick, went away to America, and then joined the GB Squad.”

Hannah honed her skills at the prestigious Princeton University in the US.

Team GB’s Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson and Georgie Brayshaw celebrate winning gold in a photo-finish in the women’s quadruple sculls
Team GB’s Lauren Henry, Hannah Scott, Lola Anderson and Georgie Brayshaw celebrate winning gold in a photo-finish in the women’s quadruple sculls (Mike Egerton/PA)

Princeton Head coach Lori Dauphiny said: “What a day for Hannah, her country and Princeton. That was one of the most remarkable finishes I have ever seen and is such a testament to her hard work and perseverance.

“I am thrilled for Hannah and her family and all of her supporters back in Princeton and at home in Britain.”

Close to 60 family, friends and former coaches are in Paris and watched from the grandstand as Hannah grabbed gold. They included friends from as far back as primary school and those she made at Princeton.

Members of Bann Rowing Club, (left to right) 15 year old Hannah Nicholl, Lydia Quigley and Erin McAleer in the centre of Coleraine at an Olympic big screen watch-along event for the final of the women’s quadruple sculls
Members of Bann Rowing Club, (left to right) 15 year old Hannah Nicholl, Lydia Quigley and Erin McAleer in the centre of Coleraine at an Olympic big screen watch-along event for the final of the women’s quadruple sculls (David Young/PA)

Causeway Coast and Glens Mayor Ciarán McQuillan, said Hannah is a “homegrown hero”.

“It’s unreal to see how she inspires a whole new generation of young athletes, especially young female athletes,” he said.

“We are so happy she has won the gold medal.”