THE family of a Paralympic double gold medallist have spoken of their joy after watching Laurence Whiteley race to victory.

The Northallerton-born rower defended his PR2 mixed double skulls title with partner Lauren Rowles, five years after bringing home a gold medal from Rio.

His family were up in the early hours of Sunday to cheer him on as they were unable to travel to Tokyo due to Covid.

READ MORE: 'That's our boy' - Proud club celebrates double Paralympic champion 

Laurence, who took up rowing after contracting osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, was also celebrating his 30th birthday today.

Parents Andy and Allison Whiteley, and his sister Louiza, set their alarms for 2am to catch the action and decked out their North Yorkshire home with Union flags and Japanese cherry blossom to show their support.

Andy said: "We're just immensely proud. We've been through the whole gamut of excitement and nerves.

"I don't think you ever get used to it. I think I know why it’s on a four-year cycle because the nerves couldn't take it if it happened more often.

“He’s our son and he’s been through a lot. Back in 2006 when he was diagnosed if you had said he would be defending his Paralympic title in 2021 I would have said you’re joking.

“He’s been through such a lot at such a young age.

“It was a perfect day, especially on his 30th birthday.”

He added: "It's been a long day but an exciting and very enjoyable one. I don't know how Laurence is feeling but we are pretty drained.

"We set the alarms for 2am to get ourselves ready and we haven't really slept yet.

"He's flying back tomorrow so we are driving down to Heathrow to get to see him. I think there will be tears because it's been a couple of months since we have been able to give him a hug."

When he was first selected for the games, the family had intended to fly to Japan to cheer him on in person.

He added: “We had it all booked for last year. Nothing is going to replace that but we've tried to make the most of a bad do. My daughter brought some Chinese lanterns and cherry blossom and we've got lots of flags. We sent him a lot of pictures so he knows that even if we're not there he's got our support.

"We're just thankful they are there and are getting to enjoy it.

"We spoke to him about an hour after the race. We caught him when he was trying to give a sample in doping control so not a very glamorous side of it.”

Laurence started rowing at the age of 19 at Tees Rowing Club, in Stockton, which has adaptive facilities.

Coach Greg Beswick was also up in the early hours to cheer the pair on and was able to celebrate the achievement at the club on Sunday morning.

He said: “We’re so so proud. He’s not just a gold medal winner once, but twice. That’s a small group of people. When he goes out we think ‘that’s our boy’.

“Everyone down at the club has been talking about him and saying how well he’s done. We think about Lauren as well because without her he couldn’t do the event.”

Andy said: “Greg really took him under his wing when we went down there. They got him to a level where British Rowing said they could see his potential.

“Without that and without Tees having an adaptive club Laurence would never have got into rowing. These guys have given him a lot over the years. They’re a great bunch of people.”

The club currently has space for two para rowers and asked anyone interested to get in touch.

It has had previous success with Caroline McDonald, an indoor world champion and record holder, and Ian Ronald, who competed at the Invictus games.

Mr Beswick said: “The parathletes need adaptive boats, depending on the category but we have at least another two spaces for anyone who wants to row.

“Not necessarily at GB level, it’s about the sport. We’ve been so lucky at Tees Rowing Club with some gifted athletes.”

Anyone who is interested in giving it a go can contact the club by visiting www.teesrowingclub.co.uk.

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