Richard Wheadon

Richard Wheadon was educated at Atholl College, Pinner then Cranleigh School, Surrey, before going to Balliol College Oxford, where he obtained a degree in physics. Not having rowed prior to going to Oxford, Wheadon won his rowing Blue in 1954 when he was bow to the winning team. He went on to win many honours with his college, and also with both Leander and the London Rowing Club.

Wheadon was selected for the Great Britain eight for the 1956 European Championships at Bled and then for the Melbourne Olympics but his place was in doubt until the last minute due to a bout of jaundice. He recovered in time to race but the GB squad was eliminated in the first round repêchage. At the time of the Melbourne Games, Wheadon was serving in the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Wheadon became a coach to the Oxford University rowing team in 1957, and in 1964 he was named as an Amateur Rowing Association (ARA) national coach. The following year he joined the committee of the ARA. In January 1972 Wheadon was appointed headmaster of the prestigious Elizabeth College in Guernsey (founded 1563). He held the position until 1988.