STRATFORD-upon-Avon Boat Club’s adaptive squad achieved another first after coach Gillian Middleton became the club’s first adaptive athlete to gain a coaching qualification.
The club’s adaptive section joined forces with British Rowing in 2023 to put on the first training course devoted to potential adaptive coaches.
The extensive four-day course covered topics such as risk management, warm up and cool down exercises, coaching behaviours, safety requirements, cold water immersion and the practical application of boat adjustments.
Middleton, a member of Stratford’s adaptive squad, has cerebral palsy and limited mobility.
She received mentoring from Stratford’s head adaptive coach, Mark Dewdney, and his team and successfully completed the final level two test.
The final assessment included rigorous questioning on warm up techniques, an instruction session, warm down techniques and extensive knowledge questioning.
Middleton passed with flying colours and now holds a level two certificate in coaching rowing (sliding).
Dewdney said: “Gillian has won many awards on and off the water in the UK and also in Europe, gaining her level two coaching award is perhaps her highest achievement yet.
“The award, which is accredited by UK Coaching, 1st4Sport and British Rowing, is a big step forward for Stratford and the sport.
“Gillian is Stratford Boat Club’s first athlete with a physical impairment to gain the qualification.
“We are so proud of Gillian’s accomplishment, it shows her determination to experience all aspects of rowing.
“She is an example to us all.”
