Adaptive Rowing Races at the World Championships

By Melissa Bray

Australia, 2002 Adaptive Rowing Champions in the 4+LTA
© FISA

Rowing has never been considered easy. Add to this a disability that limits what most people take for granted and rowing becomes even more difficult. Two adaptive rowing events lined up at the World Championships today to race over 1000 metres.

Hailing from seven countries and travelling from as far away as Australia, these rowers took to the water with all the competitive spirit of elite athletes.

The first event was raced in a fixed seat single scull for rowers who are unable to use their legs. Three athletes lined up for a floating start and it was Scott Brown of the United States that took line honours in a time of 4.47 over the 1000 metre course. “I have dreamed of this opportunity for over ten years,” said Scott before the race. Angela Madsen, also of the United States came second and Australia’s Peter Taylor finished third.

Seven coxed fours lined up in the second event. The crews were made up of a variety of disabilities from visual impairment to physical limitations through to intellectual disabilities. Males and females raced together as equals. The Australian crew of Ben Vines, Ben Horton, Ben Pelten, Glenn Blackley and coxswain, Susie Edwards, took an early lead and held off the Spanish crew until the end. The United States finished third.

The Australian four came together at the end of July and trained up to10 times per week in preparation for Seville.

Final Result:
Single
1^st United States, Scott Brown
2^nd United States, Angela Madsen
3^rd Australia, Peter Taylor

Coxed Four
1^st Australia
2^nd Spain
3^rd United States
4^th Netherlands
5^th Greece
6^th Portugal
7^th Germany