She has rowed her own long road to glory.
And now, Moray’s double Olympic champion has paid heartfelt thanks to her local supporters after deciding to retire from competition.
Heather Stanning won her second rowing title at the Rio Games, whereupon her fans in her hometown, Lossiemouth, subsequently celebrated by illuminating the Covesea Lighthouse gold in her honour.
And the triumphant Olympian yesterday applauded the Moray residents who spurred her on to success.
The 31-year-old said: “I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my rowing career, particularly my family and people in Moray.
“I have always been really grateful when I go home to meet people and learn how supportive they have been of me.”
Ms Stanning’s parents live next to RAF Lossiemouth, and she spent her childhood exploring Moray.
She attended school at Gordonstoun from 1995 to 2003, before getting into rowing while at university in Bath.
The athlete secured her second successive rowing gold in August when she powered to victory in the women’s pairs event with partner Helen Glover, duly retained the title they first won in London in 2012.
When Ms Stanning returned home the following month, the local authority awarded her the Freedom of Moray and she met dozens of well-wishers at a civic reception in Lossiemouth.
The question most people asked the Team GB star was whether she was looking to complete a golden hat-trick at the next Olympics in 2020.
However, Ms Stanning revealed she had already decided to retire at that point – but she was unable to let slip about it.
She added: “That was quite a tough time, because everyone kept asking me the same thing.
“I had made my decision, but that wasn’t the right time to make it public because I hadn’t spoken to all the right people about it.
“I feel I have done all I can, and wouldn’t have a driving factor to spur me on anymore.
“I have sacrificed an awful lot and, at some stage, the rewards and results don’t outweigh those sacrifices.”
Ms Stanning revealed she talked with family after the Rio games before “gradually” coming to the decision the time was right to call it a day.
The Army major will now focus on her military career, but will remain involved in sport.
And she reinforced her support for the fledgling Moray Sports Centre development.
Ms Stanning said: “It’s strange to think I am now a retired athlete, but I’m passionate about teaching children the value of sport and will continue to do that.
“A centralised indoor sports centre is something Moray has lacked, and I think it will be great for the county should it come together.”
Construction is due to start on the £12million venue in Elgin by the end of next year, if organisers can get funding in place.
