Joanna Rowsell British cyclist Date of Birth: 05.12.1988 Country: Great Britain

1. Joanna Rowsell Biography
2. Early Life and Career
3. International Success
4. Professional Career
5. Olympic Success
6. Personal Triumphs

Joanna Rowsell Biography

Joanna Rowsell is a British cyclist and a member of the Great Britain national team. She has participated in both track and road cycling events. Rowsell gained fame after her outstanding performances at the junior championships in 2005 and 2006, and she became a gold medalist at the 2012 Olympic Games.

Early Life and Career

Joanna Rowsell was born in Carshalton, London. She joined the cycling development program in 2004, where she caught the attention of program agents while still in school. Her dedication to training paid off when she secured her first significant victory in the British National Track Championships among juniors in 2005. Rowsell continued her winning streak in 2006, claiming victory in both the National Track Championships and the British National Women's Series.

International Success

In 2005 and 2006, Rowsell represented Great Britain at the European Junior Track and Road Championships, as well as the World Junior Track and Road Championships. She achieved remarkable results among her junior competitors. In 2007, Rowsell signed her first professional contract with the team 'Global Racing' and won a bronze medal in the 3-kilometer pursuit race.

Professional Career

In 2008, Rowsell joined the 'Halfords Bikehut' team, led by Nicole Cooke. She continued to compete in road cycling events and even won a gold medal in the pursuit race at the 2008 World Championships in Manchester. In 2012, Rowsell was selected for the Great Britain national team alongside Dani King and Laura Trott. The team not only won the UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics but also set a new world record. Rowsell and her teammates broke their own record at the 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships.

Olympic Success

In the summer of 2012, Joanna Rowsell was part of the British Olympic team, alongside King and Trott. They won the gold medal in the team pursuit event. The British team set multiple world records during the qualifying rounds, semifinals, and finals. Rowsell initially struggled to believe that she had won an Olympic gold medal, as the victory seemed somewhat unreal to her.

Personal Triumphs

Joanna Rowsell has been an inspiration to many due to her courage and determination. Despite suffering from alopecia, a rare condition that leads to partial hair loss, Rowsell has always embraced her unique appearance. Sport commentators worldwide have praised her bravery, and she receives numerous letters of gratitude for being an incredibly motivating figure. Rowsell typically wears a wig in everyday life but chose to attend the awards ceremony with her bald head uncovered.