Blog: "I truly believe I have limitless potential"
Activity Alliance features a blog post every Friday. This year we have been sharing experiences of disabled people involved in sport and exercise at all levels. Today, we continue this theme and hear from Sophie Harris, a GB para-rower who tells us how rowing has opened up a lot of opportunities for her.
Hello, I’m Sophie, I’m 33 years old, I live in Devon and I’m a para-rower for Great Britain.
I was born with talipes eqinavarus (often known as club foot). I’m now a below-knee amputee, and I also have CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) and arthritis.
Due to my condition worsening and the pain, I made the decision to undergo the amputation of my left foot in December 2016. I then decided to blanket email all the local rowing establishments. The next month, Mayflower Offshore Rowing Club invited me to join them! And so, my rowing journey started in January 2017.
I managed a few weeks of water sessions and remember how immense the feeling was! My amputation took place in February 2017 and I was back on the water in June. Whilst in rehabilitation, I emailed British Rowing with the hope I could continue rowing.
I was contacted by the GB Para-Rowing talent team who invited me to come up to their base in Caversham. I was put through my paces and given some useful feedback about sourcing a prosthetic rowing limb and how to improve my technique.
In December 2017, Dorset Orthopaedics agreed to partially sponsor me and fulfil my rowing prosthetic needs. Fast forward to March 2018 and GB Para-Rowing invited me to a development camp where I was nationally classified and selected for international classification. I was then placed on the performance development pathway.
I absolutely love participating in development camps and competitions as it all leads me closer to my goal of representing Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and Paris Games in 2024.
I really enjoy rowing because it gives me the fuel and energy for a positive mind and acceptance of my differences. The progression of my ability has purely come from my determination to not be beaten and the drive to succeed.
Rowing gives me a sense of worth and that I can achieve what I set out to do despite the regular barriers I experience. Although taking part is tough, it always feels worth it afterwards. Knowing how well I am supported definitely helps and certainly gives me a boost.
I’ve met some amazing individuals along this new path and rowing has opened up so many new opportunities for me too. I truly believe I have limitless potential – the hard work really does pay off.
The rest of the year sees me regularly training, attending various camps and I’ve also got the British Indoor Rowing Championships in December. I’ll also be continuing my journey and work towards selection into the main GB squad – I’m currently in the development squad.
I’d also like to try and get back into swimming, try paddle boarding and possibly tackle my fear of heights and give climbing a go! I’ve also recently started a sports injury and rehabilitation degree too.
My advice to other disabled people wanting to try an activity but unsure is – with the right willpower and mind-set you can achieve anything. You’ll be surprised by the lack of stigma that is initially expected because you’re disabled. My confidence has grown so much, it’s definitely worth just giving it a go. Start be sending a simple email, use social media or ask your friends.
