Para-Rowing Talent ID
Recruiting, inspiring and driving talented individuals towards Paralympic podium success
Photo: imagecomms
“I get the chance to learn from and compete against some incredibly driven and inspirational people in my day-to-day life. I am always challenged to be better and I now understand the strength of a team with common goals that looks after its own whatever may come.” – Lauren Rowles, Paralympic gold medallist, Tokyo 2020
Our GB Para-Rowing Team is hugely successful, winning 50% of the gold medals awarded in Paralympic rowing since its introduction in 2008. Without new athletes though, there’s a very real risk that we won’t be able to field a full team for Paris 2024 and beyond. We’re on the lookout for talented, driven individuals who have the right mental and physical attributes to make it as a competitive international para-rower. No rowing experience necessary!
Read on to find out more about what it’s like to be part of the programme and to register your interest in trying out for the team.
Want to get involved? Register now!
Is para-rowing for you?
The Paralympic Games provide a global stage where you can pit yourself against the best in the World, redefine your limits and build lifelong relationships with crew members and support staff. The emotions experienced atop the podium are only truly understood by a few; the journey to get there is extraordinary; and the impact of that success far reaching. Your road to that moment could start here.
Have a look at the profiles of the rest of the Para-Rowing Squad to see the diverse and unique journeys they have undergone to get where they are now.
These videos will also give you a flavour of what it’s like to be a member of the GB Para-Rowing Squad (the terms PR1, PR2 and PR3 relate to the type of impairment the athletes have and are explained in detail further down the page).
PR1 Men’s Single Scull (1x)
PR2 Mixed Double Scull (2x)
PR3 Mixed Coxed Four (4x+)
What we will do to help you…
There are many different ways that you can progress through the Para-rowing performance pathway depending on your entry point to the sport. These include the armed forces and spinal units/prosthetics clinics as well as our Para Talent ID days (register your interest) and via rowing clubs.
Our pathway prospectus explains how we’ll support you through the paralympic performance pathway. This is summarised in the graphic below.: start at the bottom and work up!
How can you get involved?
No rowing experience necessary!
Training to be an elite athlete in the GB Para-Rowing Team is not for everyone. But if you have commitment, passion, determination and a desire to achieve at the highest level, and are prepared to take on the challenge, we’ll do everything we can to get you to the start line – it’s a fantastic opportunity for the right person.
How do you compare with the following benchmarks?
Please note: For the seated height measurement, you should be sitting on the floor.
Criteria for classification into Sport Classes
| Sport Class | Competitive Disability |
|---|---|
| PR3 (Previously known as LTA – Legs Trunk Arms) | Restricted ankle/wrist movement (e.g. fused ankle, club foot) Three finger amputation on one hand B3/B2 visual impairment Below knee amputee with residual stump longer than half of original tibia length Erb’s Palsy |
| PR2 (Previously known as TA – Trunk Arms) | Significantly reduced knee flexion (e.g. fused knee, deformation of hip/knee area) Bilateral lower limb amputee (one above knee, one below) Incomplete spinal cord lesion |
| PR1 (Previously known as AS – Arms Shoulder) | Incomplete spinal cord lesion Complete T12 spinal cord lesion Bilateral above knee amputee |
- Sport Class:
- PR3
(Previously known as LTA – Legs Trunk Arms) - Competitive Disability:
- Restricted ankle/wrist movement (e.g. fused ankle, club foot)
Three finger amputation on one hand
B3/B2 visual impairment
Below knee amputee with residual stump longer than half of original tibia length
Erb’s Palsy
- Sport Class:
- PR2
(Previously known as TA – Trunk Arms) - Competitive Disability:
- Significantly reduced knee flexion (e.g. fused knee, deformation of hip/knee area)
Bilateral lower limb amputee (one above knee, one below)
Incomplete spinal cord lesion
- Sport Class:
- PR1
(Previously known as AS – Arms Shoulder) - Competitive Disability:
- Incomplete spinal cord lesion
Complete T12 spinal cord lesion
Bilateral above knee amputee
What should you do next?
If you meet any of these criteria then you could well be on your way to a Paralympic medal. Please register your details so we can get in touch with you.
Other rowing options for those with impairments
If you’re interested in rowing but perhaps not at the Paralympic level, that’s fine; rowing is open to everyone! Adaptive rowing allows our sport to be adapted to allow anyone to take part regardless of any disability. Many clubs around the country offer adaptive rowing opportunities and you can read more about these on our adaptive rowing pages.
