Inspirational crew

INSPIRATIONAL: Rebecca Corson (second left back) proved an inspiration to the entire all woman Treadwell Gordon Corporate 8 rowing crew at the Billy Webb Challenge. PHOTO/Jacs Rush

A truly inspirational back story to the Bill Webb Challenge on the Whanganui River at the weekend has emerged from the Corporate 8 race.

Whanganui law firm Treadwell Gordon entered a crew of its female staff plus one
other, a client. The crew included Rebecca Corson, a legal executive who was badly injured

in the Pyne Gould building in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
Corson migrated to the River City and was offered ACC rehabilitation employment with the law firm, who were so impressed with her manner and determination that they moved quickly to offer her a full time despite the injuries she still carried.

Corson had a serious crush injury to her leading (right) arm, and at that time was barely able to maintain hold of a piece of paper. Therapy and time saw improvement, but even today still she is unable to bear a load with the injured arm, let alone thoughts of managing a rowing oar.

But when her workmates suggested a few weeks back that they form a crew in the Billy Webb event, she was the first to put her (good) arm up. Her enthusiasm was matched by her workmates.

Strength in only one arm did present some difficulties so compromises to create a perfect technique had to be adopted.

Team coach and law firm partner Richard Austin said Corson's strong arm had be the outside arm, and therefore the choice of what side of the boat she rowed was predetermined.

"She is unable to control the angle of the blade normally controlled with the other (inside) hand, so she rowed with a square blade," Austin said.

Strength in getting the oar through the water was reduced, but a shortened stroke and an exaggerated shoulder swing went some way to mitigating the problem.
Austin had no doubt that Corson's determination would see her through the event, although it did come with some challenges, he said.

"If Rebecca could maintain her confidence with a shoulder swing, and the others didn't muck it up, she would be fine," Austin said.

And fine they all were. In fact, the crew finished second in the Corporate 8 division ahead of two boats crewed by men.

True, Treadwell Gordon did have a secret weapon.

"I have known Rebecca Scown most of her life and when we asked her to take part in our boat with our own Rebecca she jumped at the chance. We put her in the seat behind Rebecca," Austin said.

But then in rowing, especially in a crew of eight, the individual is only as good as the rest of the team.

"Our team was full of novices, but when you have the enthusiasm x-factor you can do almost anything."

The crew only had five rows in 14 days since they decided to give it crack and the event itself, but Corson's determined attitude has been an inspiration to all at the firm.

"That's what the sport of rowing, and this event, is all about. As far as the crew are concerned, they have already won the prize."