World Rowing e-Magazine, December 2008

TOM AGGAR – Paralympic Champion

tom aggar’s new title is a big change. one that the 24-year-old london native found came on to him with a speed similar
to his resounding victories.

In a short period of just 12 months, Aggar, who rows in the men’s arms only single sculls, catapulted to the top of the Paralympic rowing world. After his first international race at the 2007 World Rowing Championships in Munich, Aggar not only won a world title, but set a new adaptive World Best Time (5: 13. 13) over the 1000m distance that left

two-time World Champion

Dominic Monypenny

behind in silver. In September 2008, Aggar broke his own World Best Time when racing in the heat at the first ever Paralympic Rowing Regatta (5: 12. 25). He then went on to win the first ever Paralympic gold in his boat class.

Within a year Aggar had found rowing as part of his rehabilitation.

“I started rowing about a year after sustaining my injury, mainly to keep fit and for my own personal enjoyment,” says Aggar.

very tough physically and different from the rowing machine because of the balance and oar handling. “When I started I couldn’t keep the boat straight.”

He soon found his competitive spirit sparked. “I entered the 2006 British Indoor Rowing Championships in the adaptive event and it was from there I was introduced to some of the coaching staff and began to get out on the water. I was hooked and set my sights on selection for the 2007 World Champs. From there I began training under the GB setup.”

In just over a year, however, Aggar was amazed to find himself rowing straight down the Beijing course to Paralympic gold and his family there to cheer him on. The high expectations, however, weighed heavy.

“I think the pressure was much greater for me going into the Paralympic regatta, especially going in as World Champion and being undefeated all year.”

Tom Aggar of Great Britain celebrates his gold medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.

The 189cm, 84kg Aggar found the rigors of training – a routine of twice daily workouts six days a week, including weights and other cross-training like handcycling and swimming – a challenge that required “complete and utter dedication”.

As he celebrated his new title during the closing ceremony, Aggar looked forward to 2012: “There was also a lot of excitement with the handover knowing the Games will be held in London.”

Big change is nothing new, however, for the former Warwick University rugby player. In 2005, his life was transformed in an instant when he had an unfortunate fall that left him with a broken back and paralysis in his legs.