According to Paralympian Nikki Ayers, who grew up dreaming of playing for the Wallaroos “dreams never die, sometimes they just change”.
Ayers was a high-level rugby union player until she sustained a serious knee injury in a pre-season match in 2016.
“I dislocated my knee and, in that process, tore a main artery, possibly a nerve, and developed compartment syndrome,” she told ABC Sport at the recent Australian Rowing Championships.
Ayers endured 16 surgeries before it was suggested that she try para-rowing.
“I jumped in the boat, fell out many times and just kept going. It gave me a goal, something to work towards,” she said.
She quickly improved, earning selection on the Australian team for the 2018 World Championships, and then the Tokyo Paralympics in the mixed coxed four.
But a change of boat has taken her to new heights, and on course for Paralympic gold.
When it was announced that the PR3 mixed double sculls would be added to the program in Paris, Ayers moved from Canberra to Adelaide to team up with Jed Altschwager.
Their results in 2023 were extraordinary, breaking the World Best Time twice, winning the World Championships, and being named World Rowing Para Crew of the Year.
“Looking back at the trauma and experience I had and being able to turn that into such a positive, and it just opened this amazing door and opportunity,” Ayers said.
“Now I can call myself a world champion and a world’s best record holder, as well.
“It’s very surreal, but it’s just a reflection of me as a person and my resilience and how I’ve adapted.
“And also the support of my family and friends that have got me to here and made me realise time and time again that they believe in me and I just need to believe in myself.”
Ayers recently won the single sculls and mixed double sculls at the Australian Rowing Championships and is now focused on Paris.
“The expectation is to go there and know that when we’re on that start line for the heat and then hopefully the A final, is that we’ve done absolutely everything we can back home and that’s going to get us across the line first and bring home that gold medal for us.”
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Regatta of death
Most members of the Australian Olympic team have already earned selection but for one crew, if they want to make it to Paris, they must take on the so-called “Regatta of Death”.
Sydney University duo Marcus Della Marta and David Bartholot will contest the final Olympic qualification regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland in May, where they have to finish in the top two in the men’s double sculls.
“You could sit there and mull over who you’ve got to race and all that,” Della Marta said.
“But it’s pretty simple, if you put out your best performance, and that’s not enough, then at least you’ve given your best.
“I’m confident that what we’ve been able to produce so far will be hopefully enough.”
Both athletes are hoping to make their Olympic debut in Paris, and for Bartholot, 28, it’d be the culmination of many years of trying.
“My goal was always to go to the Olympics, and this is my shot,” he said.
“So I’m giving that my absolute all and Marcus is really keen, he’s young, he’s hungry.
“I always had in the back of my head about 18 months ago … if I worked hard, I might have a shot,” Della Marta said.
“And to be given the opportunity with Dave to go and do the double it’s pretty exciting.”
Single focus
Tara Rigney competed in the women’s double sculls at the Tokyo Olympics but has been selected in the single sculls for Paris.
The 24-year-old has won two consecutive World Championships bronze medals in the event.
“I think it’s quite a technical boat, but I also feel like I enjoy the challenge,” Rigney said.
Rigney is pragmatic about her chances, taking on two-time World Champion, Dutchwoman Karolien Florijn.
“[She’s] insanely fast, her parents are both Olympians, gold medallists,” Rigney said.
“So I think she’s the one to beat this year and I’ll just do my best to hang onto her.”
Rigney is hoping to emulate one of her idols, Kim Brennan, who has Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medals.
“I think she’s a great athlete, but a great person,” Rigney said.
“I think that’s honestly what’s really important, and I just strive to have her dedication and skill.”
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