I first began rowing in 2006, when I became involved in the FES rowing programme run at the Royal Docks rowing club in conjunction with the Aspire National Training Centre, Stanmore. Seeing my paralysed leg muscles work again was incredible an feeling and the follow-on benefits from using this type of training have been huge. As well physical benefits, such as increases in muscle mass, tone and general circulation, the physiological boost from seeing these changes have improved my general fitness and quality of life hugely.
Following competing in the British Indoor Rowing Champs in Birmingham ’06 I began to explore rowing on water and the competitive side to racing. In June ’07 I was proud to be selected to represent GB in the men’s arms only single scull event at the World Rowing Champs, Munich. After what was a relatively short build-up and preparation I won Gold, becoming 2007 World Champion and subsequently qualified GB for next years Paralympic games in Beijing.
The help and support I have received from the Royal Docks Club has been instrumental in helping me achieve my dream, and the set up at the club is very welcoming for people with spinal cord injuries and those looking to explore adaptive rowing.
Rowing has given me a huge sense of pride and is now my main focus in my life at the moment. The feeling and sense of freedom I get from being out on the water is huge and it has given me levels of physical fitness that I would never have imagined achieving since my injury. I am currently continuing my training and looking forward to what will hopefully be more success in next years Paralympic games.
by Tom Aggar – Royal Docks RC