26/11/202525/11/2025

The partnership between Kukri Sports and British Rowing has become a driving force behind the sport’s continued growth and competitive success.

Known for creating high-performance kit built around the real demands of training and competition, Kukri work closely with British Rowing’s athletes and coaches to ensure every detail supports the pursuit of excellence.

This commitment to innovation, consistency and long-term collaboration has helped establish an environment where rowing crews feel equipped, supported and united.

That approach has contributed to a landmark year for British Rowing, including triumphing in the World Rowing Cup series in June and topping the medal table at the European Rowing Championships.

Among athletes thriving within this system is Benjamin Pritchard, British para-rower, Paralympic Champion, World Champion, European Champion and world record holder.

Benjamin’s rise has been remarkable, from making his GB Rowing team international debut at the 2019 World Championships to becoming a Paralympic champion at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Moments That Shaped a Champion

1. The First Stroke

Benjamin’s journey began long before the medals, with a moment that changed everything.

“When I first sat in a boat, I didn’t know where it would lead, but I felt possibility again. Rowing gave me a way to rebuild, to focus not on what I’d lost but on what I could still become.

“It was the first step toward a new identity and a new purpose.”

2. The Podium – Realising What’s Possible

From that first stroke to the world stage, Benjamin’s progress has been shaped by resilience, consistency and a relentless commitment to improving. His defining moment, crossing the Paris 2024 Paralympic finish line and winning gold offered clarity on just how far he’d come.

“This photo captures the culmination of years of graft, frustration, resilience and belief,” he explained.

“Being on that podium wasn’t just about winning a race, it was a reminder that our limits often sit far beyond where we imagine them to be.”

3. A New Purpose

Perhaps the biggest shift of all came with the arrival of his daughter with wife, Meg.

“Efa came into our lives two years ago, and although she hasn’t been part of my entire journey, her arrival reshaped the reason I chase big goals.

“She reminded me that purpose evolves. This image represents a deeper ‘why’,” he explained. “Not chasing success for its own sake but striving to be someone she can look up to.

“It brought a new motivation that continues to guide the next chapter of my career.”

Benjamin’s Advice for Aspiring Para-Rowers and Athletes

Benjamin’s experiences have shaped a philosophy he now shares with aspiring para-rowers and athletes.

He encourages athletes to focus on the basics and fall in love with the process, explaining “Growth rewards consistency… if you can find joy in the small improvements and the daily routine, progress will follow.”

He also insisted that setbacks are unavoidable, but stressed that they are manageable. “Injury, bad races and plateaus are inevitable. I overcame them by controlling what I could, my effort, attitude and preparation,” he explained.

“Progress often comes right after the moments you’re tempted to give up, and that’s something I still actively work on with the team around me.”

Driving Excellence Together

Benjamin’s journey, from discovering a love for the sport to becoming Paralympic champion at world record holder, shows how purpose, perseverance and the right support network can transform talent into achievement.

Together, Kukri and British Rowing continue to set the standard for excellence, inspiring the next generation of athletes to push boundaries and chase their own extraordinary moments.