Oliver Wilkes

• Olympic Bronze Medallist
• World and European Champion
• Graduated in 2018: MSc Sustainable Energy Systems

Oliver Wilkes is an Olympic rower who has had medal success as a dependable member of the Great Britain men’s four rowing team. 

A talented swimmer in his youth, Oli won a silver medal at the Youth National Championships as part of a 4x100m Freestyle relay team. It was during his undergraduate studies that he first picked up an oar, before attending The University of Edinburgh to complete his Master’s degree. Whilst training in the performance programme at Edinburgh, Oli quickly moved up through the ranks within the GB Trials process. He earned his first GB vest at the 2017 World Rowing U23 Championships in the Men’s Coxed Four, where he went on to win an impressive silver medal.  It was a combination of this result and domestic success with the University of Edinburgh Boat Club that meant he was awarded University Blues in 2018.   

In 2020 Oli began training in the senior British Rowing team, gaining his first senior vest in the Men’s Pair at World Cup II in 2021. He placed 4th against fierce competition and claimed his place as non-travelling reserve for the Tokyo Olympics.   

Oli got his next opportunity to race at senior level in 2023 when he was selected as part of the Men’s Coxless Four. A string of impressive results followed by an undefeated season, saw Oli and his crew become both the 2023 European Champions and World Champions and qualify the boat’s spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

Oli defended his European Championship title in 2024 and made his Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Progressing through the heat final directly into the final, he clinched a bronze medal in a highly competitive Men’s Four’s field. 

Oli Wilkes has proven himself among the sport’s elite. His transition from promising swimmer to world-class rower is a testament to his drive, resilience, and adaptability.