Australia
Matilda wants to row with two hands. This new technology will help reach her goal
Rowing is both technical and physically demanding. Now, a group of innovative engineering students is on a mission to make the sport accessible to everyone.
Matilda says rowing tests her strength and ability. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
It's Saturday morning, and the sun is rising over Sydney Harbour.
For Matilda, it's time for rowing training.
"I love the rowing community," she said. "It's a very social sport and something that really tests your power and your ability."
The 24-year-old Dharug woman has been rowing since she was 14.
But she has faced challenges.
Matilda has been able to row with only one oar until now. Source: SBS / Spencer Austad
Matilda was born with two fingers on her left hand. So, she has only ever been able to row "sweep" — using one oar. This means she can't row in a single scull.
"That is something I've really wanted to do, my whole rowing career. To be able to row by myself in a scull boat with two oars."
Now she can.
Matilda rows in a team of eight at the Community Rowing Club on Sydney Harbour. Source: [...]