Kathleen Noble can be a force of inspiration

Kathleen Noble has become a very popular figure to a larger demographic in Uganda because of her captivating life story and rowing career.

Born in Kiwoko Hospital in present-day Nakaseke to Irish parents, Gerry Noble, a doctor, and Moire Noble, a teacher who had come to Uganda as missionaries. 

We have not heard enough about rowing in Uganda and it can take a lot of explaining for many people to understand the sport but thanks to Noble, that is starting to change.

Rowing is the sport of racing boats using oars. It differs from paddling sports in that rowing pads are attached to the boat using row locks, while paddles are not connected to the boat.

Rowing is divided into two disciplines, sculling and sweep rowing. In sculling, each rower holds the oar, one in each hand while in sweep rowing, each rower has one oar held with both hands.

Her rowing journey 

Noble has been competing in a single-scull rowing event. Her maiden rowing championship for Uganda was during the 2016 World Rowing U23 event held in Rotterdam, Holland.

Noble, then qualified for the 2020 Olympics after winning the 2km single scull race at the 2019 Africa Rowing Regatta held in Tunisia hence making her the first Ugandan to qualify for rowing at the Olympics in the women’s single scull event. 

At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Noble finished 26th overall and second in Africa. 

Additionally, she set a new WIX National Record at the World Rowing Cup in Italy. 

A force of inspiration 
Rowing depends on physical effort and complete team synchronization and Noble is not a newbie when it comes to this, however, she had to withstand the waves that come with the sport. 

Noble has attacked every challenge meticulously and wholeheartedly ranging from lack of equipment, enough support, lack of awareness, the pressure that comes with competing at such a big stage while being the underdog, you name it. 

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Noble will once again launch her bid to write Uganda in the history books of rowing at the Olympics. 

As a two-time Olympian, Noble will use the opportunity to inspire the next generation and the Uganda Rowing Federation to invest more in the sport while she is chasing glory and setting new personal records. 

Despite a lack of medals and prolific performances on an international stage in rowing, Kathleen Noble can be the driving force or change that Uganda needs.