In 2010 and 2011, Anna won four medals in the World Championships, taking the title in successive years. Born and raised in Staffordshire, she studied Natural Sciences at Newnham College, Cambridge, during this time she started competitive rowing, in 2001. At the Newnham College Boat Club, Anna captained lower boats and was the secretary for the club - at present, she represents Leander Club at rowing events. Whilst at Cambridge, in 2003, her college crew were Head of the Cam, prior to moving to World Class Start talent identification programme run by UK sport, based at the Rob Roy Boat Club.
In the following year, Anna made her international debut by winning gold at the Coxless IVs at the World Under 23 Regatta in Poznań, Poland, alongside crewmates Natasha Page, Beth Rodford and Alison Knowles. After making her senior debut in 2005, at the World Championships in Gifu, Japan, Anna moved to sculling for the 2006 World Championships. Over the next two years, whilst partnered with Elise Laverick, they won bronze at the World Championships and the Beijing Olympics, in 2008.
2010 brought more success, whilst partnered with Katherine Grainger in the double scull race. This season resulted in unbeatable success, concluding in the World Championships in New Zealand. Due to their victories, they were titled as the World Rowing Female Crew Of The Year and The Sunday Times Women's Sports Team of the Year, for 2010. Anna was named the Champion of the Thames in the annual championships, the Wingfield Sculls, for her individual performance.
In 2011, joining forces with Grainger again, the pair continued their unbeaten run in the double sculls, concluding the season with yet another World Championships gold. Whilst setting a new record time, Anna retained her title in the Wingfield Sculls. Taking to the Olympics, Anna and Grainger broke the Olympic record in the semi-final of the double sculls resulting in a gold medal, at the 2012 London Olympics.
Due to this and her previous performances, she was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). As a speaker, she shares her experience of maintaining peak performance with captivated audiences, who want to learn the secrets to overcoming challenges.
