New York rowers look to the Paralympics
With adapted equipment, physically impaired athletes get out on the water
Ellie Kincaid • September 6, 2016
Rower Maria Bournias races on the Harlem River in New York, New York. [Image credit: Greg Uyeno]
It wasn’t until 2008, in Beijing, that rowing was added as an event at the Paralympics. Rowers compete in one of three categories, depending on whether they row with their whole bodies (as a visually impaired athlete would), with their upper bodies and arms, or just their arms and shoulders. Whatever the needs of the rowers, their boats and equipment are modified to best support their strokes. In New York City, rowers and coaches with the community rowing program Row New York race on the Harlem River with future Paralympic Games on their minds.
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About the Author
Ellie Kincaid
Ellie Kincaid graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in English and minors in writing and biology. She’s worked on research projects ranging from multiple sclerosis to Jane Austen, and has written about medicine, health care, and animals for The Dodo and Tech Insider.