Karen Cromie

Karen is funded through a lottery grant from Sport Northern Ireland and is a member of the Sports Institute Northern Ireland providing her with an excellent support network.  

Karen started to row when she returned back home from University in June 2006 on Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. Karen came into rowing through the ARA's talent identification scheme after an introduction to the sport through Helene Raynsford, another GB adaptive rower. Karen took part in her first World Championships shortly afterwards in 2006, finishing 6th in the double scull. The following year in May she suffered a back injury. After a few moths of intensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy Karen participated in her second World Championships. Karen and her partner James Roberts qualified their boat for the first Paralympics, Beijing, 2008, finishing 8th at the Munich World Championships in 2007.

Karen continues to be supported and encouraged from all her family and friends at home and both Portora and Belfast Rowing Clubs in Northern Ireland.

Before joining the GB adaptive rowing team, Karen was a member of GB Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team, won silver medals at both the 2005 and 2006 Paralympic World Cup. She has also competed at the European Championships in 2005, finishing 4th for GB Women's Basketball Team.

Karen has completed her degree in Occupational Therapy, and hopes to return to employment in Paediatrics after the Paralympics. She is also a keen traveler, having visited Australia, America and Kenya (on safari). Karen would like to participate in some charity work abroad when she has some more free time. Karen also enjoys spending time with her friends, having dinner parties and going to the cinema.

Karen Cromie is lottery funded through UK Sport.