Georgia Carmichael – Staying Strong in Difficult Times

Georgia Carmichael is a Team GB athlete, world champion rower, and someone who knows how to keep going when life gets hard.

She was the youngest rower ever picked for the GB team. She trained every day. She loved the water. She had big dreams of going to the Olympics.

But her life changed in ways she never expected.

“I’m going to the Olympics,” she told her mum

Georgia found focus through sport. It helped her manage her ADHD and gave her a place to belong. At 13, she joined Team GB. At 15, she won a world title. She had a clear goal and was on track to reach it.

“I remember getting off the water and saying to my mum, ‘I’m going to the Olympics.’”

Injuries, hospital stays, and a lot of change

First came a brain injury at school. She had to relearn how to do simple things. But she came back and won two silver medals.

Then another brain injury. Then a spinal stroke. Then a rare condition that affects her whole body and was called “terminal.”

Each time, doctors said she wouldn’t walk again. But she didn’t give up.

“I treated rehab like training. I followed the plan and did the work.”

Finding focus in small daily actions

Georgia now uses journaling, breathing exercises, and music to stay calm. She writes down one thing she’s done each day—even if it’s small. It helps her stay on track.

“Some days I can’t lift weights. But if I’ve held a cup, that’s progress. That matters.”

Sport helped her feel strong again

Even when her body changed, movement helped her stay connected to herself. It reminded her that she could still do hard things.

“Lifting weights again reminded me I’m not done. I still have more to give.”

She now trains with the GB Para Rowing team. Her goal is to race again—this time in the Paralympics.

Her advice for young people

“Believe in yourself. Keep your goal in mind. Other people’s doubts don’t matter—yours do.”

Watch her story

Georgia’s story is a reminder that mindset, learning, and kindness aren’t just ideas. They’re tools that can help us through the hardest moments.

Explore More from Well Good

If Georgia’s story connected with you, we invite you to explore more.

Discover free wellbeing tools, read other inspiring journeys, or meet the Calmness Crew—designed to help children feel supported through big emotions.