Adaptive rower wins City of Stoke Sports Award

Martin Tweedie has faced great odds over the past few years, but has come out on top and is now a very successful rower. Here is his story……..

"I had a motorcycle crash on my way to work 5 years ago, I was airlifted to hospital where I suffered the loss of my left leg above the knee amongst numerous superficial injuries and fractures.  After the accident I progressed well, but never felt like I was the same person as before – an amateur boxer. I decide to set myself the goal of being able to run faster than the average person. As only 1% of above knee amputees can run, this was quite a challenge, but I endured the pain and achieved my goal.

I was contacted by a Paralympic talent scout who had seen a running article on me, and was invited to undergo a performance test. I was offered a place on the GB power lifting squad, which I gratefully accepted, and was also contacted by the GB rowing adaptive squad.  They gave me guidance on training and contacted Darren Barton of Trentham Rowing Club on my behalf. Although rowing was not my first choice of event, I was open to a new challenge.

I have found that rowing has changed my life, Darren and all at Trentham Boat Club have welcomed me with open arms from the beginning. I do and will always feel indebted to them for their efforts and support. I have raced against able bodied rowers for about a year and have won all but 2 of my races (1 we crashed in the final and 2nd place in the other). I believe that this is testament to Darren’s fantastic coaching and I once again feel proud of the person I am."

Martin discusses his progress in a video available on the This is Staffordshire website

Martin Tweedie,
Trentham Boat Club