Pete Reed OBE – Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy and three times Olympic Champion

So, how does “an unremarkable pupil” – as described by his P.E. teacher at a parents’ evening – become a triple gold medal Olympic rower?

Pete discovered rowing onboard HMS Exeter of all places and his determination, hard work and resilience took him to the Olympics.

These attributes have served him well, perhaps none more so than right now. Pete recently suffered an unexpected spinal stroke which “almost feels like it’s added fifty years to my life overnight”.

Pete relates his challenges to the hardship that everyone is facing with Covid, “we’re all going through a massive life-changing event” and we can all take inspiration from how he approaches difficulties, “we don’t choose these things, we can choose how to handle it”.

Currently “medically downgraded from work”, we join Pete at “an astonishingly exciting time”, having just heard that the Royal Navy, despite the severity of his physical condition, has decided to “retain him in Service” and he awaits his first assignment. 

 As Pete’s coach used to say to him, “Never, never give up”.

Follow Pete on Twitter and Instagram

Find out more about the Company of Makers  or sign up to our newsletter.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.

This podcast is supported by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

If you’re a member of the Armed Forces community and need support with your mental health, Op Courage can help.

Or you could phone the Combat Stress Helpline on: 0800 138 1619


Company of Makers exists to support veterans and their families who are struggling on civvy street no matter how long ago they left the armed forces.

We do this by running a programme of Podcasts | Talks | Workshops.

Company of Makers are trying to reach, and better understand, all members of the armed forces community who are also gamers. We’re especially interested in those that have served in conflicts over the last 30 years.

To find out more contact us.