Lebby Eyres is a name that has become increasingly prominent in both British journalism and the world of rowing. Known for her insightful articles, rich storytelling, and remarkable personal journey, she represents the rare blend of intellectual sharpness and athletic grit. Her career spans decades of journalistic contributions, while her rowing achievements and ocean adventures have brought her into the spotlight as a figure of resilience and determination.
Early Life and Education
Lebby Eyres grew up with a love for sport and a natural curiosity about the world around her. Her education nurtured her interest in literature and storytelling, while rowing became a passion that would shape her identity. She attended Oxford University, where her talents were tested in one of the most gruelling sporting contests in the country: the Oxford versus Cambridge Boat Race.
Rowing at Oxford gave her the chance to experience first-hand the traditions, pressures, and exhilaration of competing at the highest student level. In 1995, she rowed for Oxford in the Women’s Boat Race, an experience that cemented her love for the sport and revealed the deep sense of teamwork and resilience required to succeed in such demanding conditions.
Career in Journalism
After university, Lebby Eyres pursued journalism, quickly proving her skill in storytelling and feature writing. She worked across several publications before becoming more widely recognised as an editor and writer. Eventually, she rose to the position of Senior Commissioning Editor at The Telegraph, focusing on lifestyle features.
Her work in journalism has been both varied and impactful. From health and fitness to food, travel, and deeply personal essays, she has contributed a voice that is authentic, intelligent, and empathetic. She has been described as a journalist who writes with honesty and courage, tackling subjects from the everyday to the extraordinary.
Writing Style and Approach
Lebby Eyres brings an engaging, conversational style to her work. Her articles often weave together personal insight with broader cultural commentary. Whether writing about fitness regimes, the art of cheese tasting, or the experience of rowing the Atlantic, she maintains a clarity that appeals to a wide readership.
She has also demonstrated a willingness to write candidly about personal matters, such as the challenges of perimenopause or the difficulties of redundancy in midlife. In doing so, she connects with readers not only as a journalist but as a relatable individual navigating the complexities of life.
Rowing as a Lifelong Passion
Rowing was not just a university activity for Lebby Eyres. After Oxford, she continued to pursue the sport, rowing with clubs such as Tideway Scullers and even representing England. Her connection to rowing runs deep, symbolising more than just competition—it represents endurance, teamwork, and the discipline required to overcome obstacles.
In later years, she returned to the sport more actively, joining Lea Rowing Club in Hackney. Even after decades away from competitive rowing, she demonstrated her lasting strength and leadership, stroking Oxford to a historic dead-heat in the 2024 Women’s Veterans’ Boat Race. This moment was celebrated as a testament to her enduring abilities and passion for the sport.
The Atlantic Challenge and Midlife Transformation
One of the most extraordinary chapters of Lebby Eyres’s life came in 2021, when she joined a four-woman crew named The Mothership to take part in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. This daunting race involved rowing across the Atlantic Ocean—an endurance feat that pushes physical and psychological limits.
For Eyres, this challenge came at a turning point in her life. Facing redundancy in her fifties and navigating the physical and emotional impact of perimenopause, she embraced the challenge as a way of reclaiming purpose and direction. The ocean row became a symbol of resilience, growth, and self-discovery.
Lessons from the Ocean
Rowing across the Atlantic was not only about strength but also about confronting vulnerability. Eyres has often reflected on how the vastness of the ocean forced her to look inward, finding reserves of courage and adaptability she did not know she possessed. She and her crew endured storms, exhaustion, and isolation, yet the experience forged unbreakable bonds and a profound sense of achievement.
She later described this period as transformative, offering not just an adventure but also healing and empowerment. Her writings and public discussions on this subject have inspired many, particularly women facing midlife challenges, to embrace change rather than fear it.
Lebby Eyres as “The Ocean Oaracle”
Following her Atlantic crossing, Eyres adopted the title “The Ocean Oaracle”, through which she shares reflections, stories, and wisdom gained from the water. Through her Substack and other platforms, she continues to use her experience to encourage others to seek out adventure, confront fears, and find new meaning at every stage of life.
Her work under this title blends practical advice with metaphorical insight, showing how lessons learned at sea apply to everyday resilience. She has spoken about embracing uncertainty, working through pain, and finding joy in teamwork—all themes that resonate well beyond rowing.
Personal Reflections on Midlife
Lebby Eyres’s story is also one of confronting the realities of midlife. She has openly discussed the struggles of perimenopause, redundancy, and identity shifts that many women face in their forties and fifties. Rather than treating these as obstacles, she reframed them as opportunities to reinvent herself.
By tackling the Atlantic challenge and re-engaging with rowing, she demonstrated that midlife can be a beginning rather than an end. Her honesty on this subject has made her a role model, particularly for women looking for inspiration in their own personal reinventions.
Contributions to British Lifestyle Media
Beyond her personal journey, Eyres has enriched British media with her consistent contributions. At The Telegraph, she has written and commissioned articles that cover a wide spectrum of lifestyle topics. These range from food and wine pairings to personal reflections on elite sports. Her ability to balance light-hearted lifestyle writing with deeper, more personal narratives has given her a unique place in the media landscape.
She has also written for British Rowing and other outlets, celebrating the sport that shaped her and promoting its continued relevance for new generations.
Legacy and Ongoing Work
Lebby Eyres’s career and life reflect the idea that identity is not fixed. She has been a student athlete, a journalist, an editor, an ocean rower, and a writer of personal empowerment. Each chapter of her life has built upon the last, creating a legacy of resilience, creativity, and inspiration.
Her ongoing work continues to influence readers and fellow rowers alike. Whether commissioning thoughtful features for a national newspaper, sharing her experiences through Substack, or leading crews on the water, she remains a figure who inspires others to push boundaries and embrace change.
Why Her Story Matters Today
In a world where many people struggle with uncertainty, change, and personal reinvention, Lebby Eyres stands as proof that challenges can be transformative. Her career in journalism shows the power of words, while her feats in rowing illustrate the strength of human endurance. Her candid discussions about midlife highlight the importance of honesty, resilience, and self-belief.
Her story resonates not only with those in journalism or sport but also with anyone navigating life’s inevitable transitions. It is about embracing adventure, seeking meaning, and refusing to let setbacks define the future.
Conclusion
Lebby Eyres is much more than a journalist or a rower; she is a symbol of persistence, adaptability, and courage. From her early days at Oxford University to her professional career in British journalism and her daring Atlantic adventure, she has lived a life that continues to inspire.
Her journey reminds us that it is never too late to seek new horizons, never too late to embrace challenge, and never too late to reinvent ourselves. In every sense, Lebby Eyres embodies the qualities of resilience, curiosity, and determination that ensure her story will remain relevant and inspiring for years to come.
