Olympic champion sets sail for success at Henry Adams

Eilidh McIntyre, who won an Olympic Gold medal for Team GB at Tokyo 2020, has now embarked on a new adventure as she joins Henry Adams estate agency. 

Eilidh, who announced her retirement from sailing earlier this year, plans to make waves as a negotiator in the regional agency’s Haslemere office. In her first few weeks, she’s been getting to know the ropes as she makes her first forays into the estate agency world. 

Stepping back from competitive sailing

“I’ve always loved property, interior design, meeting people and helping them succeed, so after stepping back from competitive sailing with Team GB, I knew estate agency was the right route for me,” said Eilidh, who approached Henry Adams for advice. 

“My integrity means a lot to me so I wanted to join a professional estate agency with strong values which is what led me to Henry Adams. I’m quite a bold person so I got in touch and jumped at the chance to join the Haslemere team. In my first few days. I’ve been learning so much about compliance and conducting viewings. Even answering the phone, which I thought would be easy, is competitive here!”

Less stress for home movers

Having bought her own property by the coast in 2020, Eilidh (pronounced Aylee) remembers the process as ‘so stressful’ and hopes to help others navigate the process through calmer waters. She’s already getting to know Haslemere better by planning a few runs around the area. 

“There are definitely synergies with estate agency and sailing. Sport is about much more than the physical aspect,” she explains. “It’s also making sure logistics are all in order, equipment is serviced and in the right place at the right time, and keeping on top of travel arrangements. You do have to be very organised and disciplined, as well as focused on your team and your skills.”

Born and brought up in the South East within a family of keen sailors, Eilidh moved to Hayling Island as a child. In April 2022, she started a podcast, Out of the Shadows, reflecting on her own success as her father, Mike McIntyre, had won an Olympic gold medal for sailing in 1988. The pair are the only British father and daughter duo to bring home Olympic Golds.

Champion Olympian and MBE

Eilidh received an MBE in the 2022 New Year's Honours for her services to sailing and retired from competitive sailing ahead of Paris after a lot of reflection. “I just didn’t think we had enough time to be in with a serious chance of another Gold. Winning in Tokyo was weird; a bit of you thinks life will change after achieving a lifelong goal. Some very cool things do happen but afterwards, you can feel lost. All of a sudden, I’d completed my ambition.

“So I’m now carving out a new career and I’m really looking forward to negotiating my first sale and to progressing as quickly as possible in Henry Adams. Everyone’s so supportive here, I feel lucky to be part of another great team.”

Joining the Henry Adams team

Toby Miller, partner at Henry Adams, said, “We are delighted to welcome Eilidh to our Haslemere office. She’s enthusiastic, high-achieving and a quick learner so it’s great to have her on board. I’m sure she’ll prove very valuable in helping our clients and customers get their sales across the finish line. In the meantime, I think we need to organise a Henry Adams team sporting challenge between all our offices, we have a distinct advantage with Eilidh on the team!”

Outside work, Eilidh has turned her drive for adventure to windfoiling along the southern shores, as well as sailing, paddleboarding, running and working out. She’s also an ambassador for a children’s charity and a not-for-profit sustainability organisation. As a motivational speaker to schools, charities, and the business sector, her focus is on helping others overcome adversity and improve teamwork. Eilidh also remains an active member of Hayling Island Sailing Club. 

Gareth Overton, head of residential sales at Henry Adams, added, “Eilidh shows that same determination and drive for excellence that I see in every office of Henry Adams, although I have to say, it’s usually in skilful negotiations rather than world-class sport. I know she’ll do extremely well in our Haslemere team and it’s great to have Eilidh aboard.”

Discover the wide range of properties on the market with Henry Adams Haslemere or get in touch with the team on 01428 644002.

Sailing image credit: Lloyd images