Andy Holmes MBE (1959 - 2010)
Furnivall was very fortunate to have double Olympic gold medal champion Andy Holmes serve as the head coach of the women's squad for just over three seasons, until his untimely and very unfortunate passing in October 2010 at the age of 51.
Under his command, Furnivall women were Henley women 4+ elite & national champions, Henley women's intermediate 8+ finalists, bronze medalists 8+ at national championship and finalist in a composite 8+ at Henley Royal Regatta.
More importantly, however, Andy taught beginners how to row and scull and was a constant supporter of the club. He did everything from painting the weights room to repairing boats, and enjoyed a laugh with members. He is greatly missed.
There was a Memorial Row for Andy at Henley Royal Regatta in 2011.
Andy rowed with Sir Steve Redgrave in the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. He was a gold medalist in the Men's Coxed Fours in 1984 and in the Men's Coxless Pairs in 1988, when he also took bronze in the coxed pair.
Some of Andy's inspiring races are on YouTube
Los Angeles 1984 Olympics - Men’s Coxed Fours
Seoul 1988 Olympics - Men’s Coxless Pairs
Seoul 1988 Olympics - Men’s Coxed Pairs
World Rowing Championships, Nottingham 1986 - Men's Coxed Pairs