Paralympic and PaRowlympic Successes

The Paralympic Regatta concluded with exciting racing on the Sea Forest Waterway. Our team was on site to help with competitors’ needs.

The Regatta included four boat classes in three athlete classifications: PR1 Men’s Single Sculls, PR1 Women’s Single Sculls, PR2 Mixed Double Sculls and PR3 Mixed Four with Coxswain. Racing in Tokyo will be remembered historically as the first Paralympics where athletes competed over 2000 meters. (The previous distance was 1000 meters.)

Concept2’s Mark McAndrew was on site alongside our local Japanese reseller to assist athletes with any scull or oar repairs. They made small repairs, checked pitch, changed grips, and provided general tune ups to give the athletes added confidence in their equipment before racing. As McAndrew reports, “some won medals and everyone made new friends and reacquainted with those met at earlier events.” It’s an honor that many athletes stop by the Concept2 tent to show their medals and provide thanks after racing. The community of athletes, coaches and on site staff was particularly supportive of one while still adhereing to COVID regulations.

Among the visitors to the Concept2 tent were the British PR3 Mixed 4+. This crew has been unbeaten since 2010. They won gold ahead of the US, who has finished silver to Great Britain in the past seven contests. The US PR3 Mixed 4+ is the only medal-winning crew for the Americans in Tokyo this year. Another member of Team USA, however, did medal—just not in rowing. US PR1 men’s single sculler, Blake Haxton, was the only double-sport athlete at this year’s Paralympics; he earned a silver medal in Paracanoe.

To celebrate the Paralympics, Concept2 invited all adaptive athletes of all ages and abilities to participate in our virtual PaRowlympic Challenge. Eighty-eight participants earned gold, silver and bronze accomplishments. We were excited about the increased participation in this year’s event; it celebrates the camaraderie and competition of the Paralympic spirit. Athletes from seventeen countries participated!

Concept2 provides resources on how to adapt the RowErg and SkiErg; our oar teams can also assist with finding the right specifications to fit oars and sculls for on water rowing. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive sport. Congratulations to all athletes on your Paralympic and PaRowlympic accomplishments!