Margaret was the fourth woman to represent GB as a single sculler, and the second (after Penny Chuter) to do so on more than one occasion, competing at the European Women’s Rowing Championships in the single in 1966, 1969 and 1970. She was also selected for the coxed four (a ULWBC crew) in 1964 and the double scull in 1971 and 1972 with Christine Davies.
An extremely modest woman, Margaret was nevertheless very driven and hard-working, developing her career as a doctor and academic throughout the years when she was an international sculler and then in the next phase of her life when she brought up her four children. Sadly, she died at the early age of 69 in 2010, but her daughter Gill, doubles partner Christine, and lifelong (rowing) friend Jean Rankine have enabled me to draw together the ‘rowing story’ of this extremely significant figure in the history of GB women’s rowing.
Sad to hear of the too early death of Margaret Gladden. It was in 1970 that we got to know each other as friends rather than rivals on the way to the European Championships in Hungary. With Christine Davies who was also my doubles partner we had interesting times there. In Amsterdam Margaret introduced us to her development of her rowing garden made up of plants from each regatta. Each a cherished memory. I was glad to know that she had continued success in her career and family. Single scullers are a special breed and Margaret was exceptional.
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