We have been thrilled to learn that Tom Dyson (1996-03) has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours for his services to Paralympic rowing. A keen rower here at School, Tom went to the University of Cambridge where he continued the sport alongside studying for his MA in Natural Sciences. Tom is now Head of Olympic and Paralympic Performance Delivery for British Rowing following 14 years coaching with the Paralympic Programme . Under his guidance there have been huge successes for ParalympicsGB; topping the medal table consecutively at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 games with an impressive five gold medals. Tom cites the 2015 World Rowing Championships as one of his proudest achievements, coaching four Paralympic boats, all finishing in the top two positions in the competition.

On his MBE award Tom tells us “I feel extremely humbled to have been recognised for my work with Paralympic rowing. I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside some incredibly dedicated staff in shaping the team and it has been a privilege to coach so many talented athletes over the years.” . Tom also remembers his rowing days here at RGS well, saying “My final year rowing at RGS was a very enjoyable period, training with friends who remain close to this day and learning from former teacher and coach Rob Gibson in particular. Having Rob as a coaching role model no doubt set me on the path to my current career and I greatly value his friendship, council and the yearly reunion of his RGS rowers at Henley Royal Regatta". To current rowers and coaches here at RGS, Tom has some final words of advice, “For me, rowing is about people and relationships. When you invest in working together, learning from each other and enjoying each other's company there's no limit to how far this sport can take you both on and off the water. It has far reaching social and emotional benefits that compliment the academic requirements of both school and university. I'm incredibly privileged to have made a career from a hobby I fell in love with - I hope others at RGS will do the same in years to come.”