In Episode 2 of the Spidcast, hosts Peter Swiek and Stephen Schaefer sit down with U.S. Para rowing teammates Todd Vogt and Gemma Wollenschlager to dissect their silver-medal performance in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls at the 2023 World Rowing Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
Para Rowing 101 & The PR3 Category
Para rowing features three distinct classifications based on functional mobility:
- PR1: Fixed seat, arms/shoulders only.
- PR2: Fixed seat, trunk and arms.
- PR3: Standard sliding seat equipment, utilization of legs, trunk, and arms.
As a catchall category, PR3 includes athletes with visual impairments, limb differences, and neurological conditions. Gemma, who was born with a club foot, and Todd, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018 at age 42, explain the mixed-gender double dynamic. Unlike sweep boats with a coxswain steering, double scullers sit backwards, manage their own steering via sightlines on the horizon, and communicate constantly under extreme physical strain.
Overcoming the Belgrade Pressure Cooker
The 2023 World Championships carried massive stakes: a top-five finish was required to qualify the boat class for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The build-up was fraught with hurdles:
- International Classification: Gemma had to undergo a grueling multi-hour international classification process just three days before the race to verify her disability metrics.
- Pre-Race Illness: Both athletes battled severe viral illness in the days leading into the preliminary heats, forcing them to rely on pure grit and raw ergometer power.
- Square-Blade Adaptations: To accommodate Parkinson’s-related dexterity loss in Todd’s left wrist during high-rate sprints, the duo trained extensively in choppy water on the Charles River in Boston, mastering square-blade rowing.
Stroke-by-Stroke: The Race Walkthrough
Watching the race film in real time, Todd and Gemma walk listeners through the 2,000-meter final against world powerhouses Australia, France, Germany, and Great Britain:
- The Start: High rates out of the start shoes, establishing immediate boat run in heavy water chop.
- The Middle 1000m: Holding an internal focus, executing port-side pressure adjustments, and locking into silver medal position.
- The Red Buoys: Launching a relentless sprint over the final 250 meters to cross the line for Silver, securing Team USA’s Paralympic ticket to Paris.
Where to Catch the Episode
- Listen & Watch: Stream the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
- Connect with the Guests: Follow Gemma Wollenschlager on Instagram (
@gemma_kate__) and Todd Vogt on Instagram (@engineroom23) or via his podcast An Athlete’s Journey. - Support Spid Werkz: Head to spidwerkz.com to learn more about our foundation’s athlete support programs.