The injury cost of making it to Maadi
Everything comes with a sacrifice, especially in the rowing community.
Novice rowers are often in the most injury-prone stage of the sport as training stresses their bodies to the max.
Those just starting out often experience difficulties bringing the required strength to the water.
And many become injured due to the strains placed on their young and developing bodies.
On-site Maadi physiotherapist, Kara Thomas said they saw a lot more [injuries] in younger rowers who are not as strong or as conditioned as senior competitors.
she said many novices do not get enough time to build good technique and form to support their intense training schedule.
“Our role here really is just giving them a lot of education on what to do, how to look after themselves, and what to do long term.
“Rowing’s an intense sport, it takes a lot of endurance and conditioning. When they are tired, or the water is rougher, we’ve had a few windy days, we often get a lot more injuries as well.”
There is now a rising concern for these young athlete’s health and well-being.
Kara said younger rowers often have not developed their technique and this can expose them to injuries at an event such as Maadi where they may be required to row multiple races in the week.
