Before Mike Forder sat on his ergo at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre today in the indoor rowing competition he had already won the title for being the participant who had travelled the furthest distance to take part in the Pan Pacific Masters Games on the Gold Coast (3 -11 November).
Residing in Dorset, a county in South West England, the 59-year-old travelled more than 16,000 kilometres to take part in his only event and so far the trip has been worth every kilometre after he won gold in the men’s 55-59 open four-minute event today.
“Before I had even raced I won the competition for being the competitor who travelled the furthest distance which was 16,700 kilometres,” said Mike.
“In the 500m event I was worried at the half way stage as I was eight metres behind the leader but I stuck to my pace and I knew what I was capable of and overhauled Craig Lee by about 20 metres in the end.
“I’m very pleased with my result and it makes travelling more than 16,000 kilometres worth it.”
Unfortunately Mike, who is experiencing Australia for the first time, pulled out of the 500m event due to an injury but said he is optimistic about backing up his gold medal in tomorrow’s (Thursday) 1000m and 2000m races.
“You could say I’m cautiously optimistic in getting in the medals tomorrow,” said Mike.
“You shouldn’t overrate things because anything can happen such as getting an injury and of course there could be better racers on the day.
“But I’ll give it a good shot and try and get in the medals again.”
The international was persuaded to compete at the Pan Pacific Masters Games by indoor rowing legend Lyndsay Hay when the two crossed paths at the English Indoor Rowing Championships in 2010.
“Indoor rowing is a wonderful international sport and I met Lyndsay, who is the current over 60s 500m record holder, in England two years ago and we have been in contact ever since,” said Mike.
“He invited me to come to the Pan Pacific Masters Games and I’ve really enjoyed being here.”
Despite being the best of mates Mike admits the two have a fierce rivalry on the machines.
“Today in the four minute event he beat me by three metres. He rowed 1,188 metres while I did 1,185 metres, if only I could have squeezed out another four metres,” said Mike.
“We are the best of friends outside of indoor rowing but inside we are competitors.”
Lyndsay, who persuaded Mike to enter the Pan Pacific Masters Games, was in fine rowing form taking out the 500m and four-minute events in the 60-64 open competition this morning.
“In the 500m, the fastest way is to set it [resistance] high and hold it for as long as you can,” said Lyndsay.
“I was slower in the last 150 metres because the lactic acid eventually wrecks your legs so you just have to hold on.”
The current world number two in the 500m event said the best thing about indoor rowing is the fact that anyone can take part and that it promotes healthy and active lifestyles.
“There are 80-year-olds rowing and I’ve even seen a 93-year-old compete, so there is serious competition right up to that age,” said Lyndsay.
“It’s something you can do when you’re old and it’s a full body work out that can be done in the convenience of your own home.”
Mike Forder will be competing in the 1,000m and 20,00m 55-59 open competitions from 9.20am tomorrow. While Lyndsay Hay will compete in the 1000m and 2000m competitions from 9am.
The new system was born here and filagra this is not something that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not significant for us.
