Rowing their way to good health and Australian records

If you’re looking for action, atmosphere, camaraderie, and genuine community spirit you need look no further than the indoor rowing competition at this years Pan Pacific Masters Games.

A relatively new sport in Australia it is fast becoming the ‘go to’ for many people coming back from injuries and looking for a low impact sport that’s challenging and fun.

Sydneysider James Johnson, a below the knee amputee broke an Australian record this week to take home gold in the 500-metre adaptive rowing event.

Following a heart attack a few years ago he concedes the sport has changed his life.

“I got into rowing about five years ago when I weighed almost 107 kilos.

“I went to the gym and saw an indoor rower. I’d rowed at school, and I thought, I’ll try this. I got on it, lasted two minutes and died.

“So, then I just kept training and slowly started getting better and then I went into a race.

“This is the first Pan Pacs I’ve entered and it’s absolutely fabulous.”

With his cardiologist confirming his heart is now in good shape and with a weight loss of more than 20 kilos, James counts indoor rowing for keeping him going.

“I’ll be here for Pan Pacs in 2023, 24 and even 25… it’s fabulous, it’s just a great time,” he says with a gold medal winning grin.

Dual gold medallist at this year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games Matthew Mulholland aka ‘Mattador’ cuts a fit and imposing figure on the rower with his long flowing locks and horned Viking helmet.

He also attributes indoor rowing to helping him recover from a serious back injury with the emerging sport deterring him from returning to competitive football.

“Who would have thought the humble rower in the gym could produce such amazing things,” he says.

“I have now coached more than 100 people to achieve world and Australian records and set new records.

“The attitude is give it a crack, you’ll never know.”

More than 150 people from 30 – 90 + years have entered the 2022 Pan Pacific Master Games indoor rowing competition competing in 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 metre and one minute races and relays.