Paralysed athlete Richard Wassell competing in indoor rowing at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games. Photo: Jasmine Rolfe
Thursday 10 November 2016
By Jasmine Rolfe
If you’ve been knocked down and you’re looking for inspiration to get back up again then keep reading, because Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games competitor, 50-year-old Richard Wassell from Rossmoyne, in Western Australia, has had to do just that – and more!
His remarkable story began after a few crossfit training sessions that involved indoor rowing, when he noticed his rowing times were up there competitively with the best in the world.
Throw in a few sponsorship deals, four months of training and Richard found himself at the world distance rowing championships.
The Rossmoyne rowing legend now holds the world record for the 100,000m row after breaking the previous world record by an hour and 20 minutes with a finishing time of 10hrs:33mins:23.5secs.
And he did all of this… with one arm.
At the age of 28 Richard suffered a massive stroke while on board the Australian submarine HMAS Ovens, leaving him with complete paralysis down his right side.
While it wasn’t a quick recovery, after intense rehabilitation Richard eventually regained his strength and began competing again with his family firmly by his side.
In fact it is the support Richard receives from his family that pushes him to continue competing, especially to inspire one of his four children who was born with special needs.
“I do everything to inspire him and to say, ‘I’ve got disabilities and I’m doing this’,” Richard said.
“You can do anything. You’re not limited by your disability.
“He has been with me for all my world record attempts and events.
“Seeing me compete with my disability really helps him.”
Richard competed yesterday and continues to compete today in the indoor rowing event at the Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games (JPPMG) and loves the spirit of the games and that there’s different age categories and weight divisions to suit everyone.
“You need to train up for it a little but just have a go,” he said.
“I came last in my event but who cares, I had a great time!”
The 10th biennial Jupiters Pan Pacific Masters Games is being held 5 – 13 November 2016 on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
The event showcases competition in 43 sports and is hosting 13,000 participants from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
