Olympic legend running as Oxfordshire election candidate

Rower James Cracknell hopes to become the Conservative councillor for Henley.

He previously attempted to become the MP for Henley to replace John Howell.

But he was instead selected as the Conservative candidate for Colchester in September, before losing to the Labour candidate by 8,250 votes at the last general election. 

In the 2005 New Year Honours list, Mr Cracknell was appointed OBE for “services to sport” and more recently in 2019 he was the oldest competitor and oldest winner for Cambridge in the 2019 Boat Race.

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In 2010, he experienced a traumatic brain injury after the wing mirror of a fuel tanker smashed into his head as he was cycling in the US.

The damage to the frontal lobe of his brain caused personality changes, memory problems, and epilepsy, as well as leaving him unable to recognise people’s faces, and losing his sense of taste and smell.

In a recent interview on World Head Injury Awareness Day (March 20), he said: “I think one of the big, big barriers, especially having done sport, is admitting or asking for help.

“Because I was so used to sorting my own problems out, I just thought ‘I can do that, I can do that’. I didn’t want to ask for help.

“So the first barrier for me was being able to ask for help and thinking I needed it, and actually realising asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.

“Prioritising therapy and counselling is really important.”

James Cracknell (Image: PA Media) He is an ambassador for Coulthursts brain injury lawyers, and became the first patron of the Henley counselling service called Riverside in March.

Mr Cracknell said: “I am honoured and proud to become Riverside’s patron to support the incredible work that they do.”

After leaving the hospital, he had to rebuild his strength and relearn cognitive and social skills.

He said: “My only regret was not committing to counselling earlier.

“It could have made such a difference to many aspects of my life after my accident.

“When you’re in turmoil, counselling can really help work things through.

“What I really like about Riverside Counselling Service is that they offer local people access to affordable counselling services, so it is completely inclusive.”

The other candidates running for the division include Stefan Gawrysiak (Henley Residents Group) Elisabeth Geake (Green), John Halsall (Reform UK), and Stephen Harwood (Labour).

The Oxfordshire County Council elections will take place on May 1, and the deadline to register to vote is April 11.