My other life: Ben Pritchard, rower

How did your interest in this sport start?

On 10 September 2016, I was involved in a cycling accident which left me paralysed from the rib cage down. This is medically referred to as a T6 Complete Spinal Cord Injury. Upon arrival at Stoke Mandeville Hospital I was asked to set four goals that I wanted to achieve before being discharged. These were to get back to work, my family life, sport and independent living.

During my recovery there were dedicated weekly sport sessions, which were also supplemented by a weekly ‘row session’ and this is where my rowing journey started.

How did you build up your skills?

I can’t say I loved rowing the first time I tried it. I actually hated it. But while I was in hospital it gave me something to compete in. With all the other sports on offer, I had to remain in the chair. Rowing gave me a sense of freedom that I so desperately craved.

I was discharged from hospital in December 2016 and invited to the Para-Rowing Development Trials the following month by Hannah Lawton, GB Talent ID Coach, who told me to bring an on-water kit and indoor kit. I told her that I’d never even seen a rowing boat, let alone been on the water. But there I was in January 2017, sitting on the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake.

What has been the highlight so far?

There have been two major highlights. The first was a water experience in Varese 2018 where I was given the opportunity to race for Great Britain and reached the A Final alongside the current Paralympic Champion and several Olympic Finalists.

The second would have to be setting the 1km Indoor World record at the Welsh Indoor Championships. Before the event, I was doubting my ability to break the four-minute mark but I set a World Record. I still don’t think it has quite sunk in.

What is the experience like?

Wearing the Great Britain vest is a huge honour. It fills me with a huge sense of pride and I feel very privileged to train alongside some of the worlds’ best rowing athletes.

What’s your next challenge?

My next challenge is pushing for selection at one of the World Cup Races next year. This will be a step up from the Gavirate Rowing Regatta last year and a challenge that I am looking forward to. Trials have happened and I will find out soon whether I have been successful.

Any crossover between this activity and your insurance day job?

The competitive nature in me ensures that I dig deep and persevere to find a way to win and then analyse my shortfalls in order to make improvements. I understand that you have to follow the process while injecting some creativity in order to achieve the desired outcomes. My interest in sport has actually helped me to develop time management skills, which are all important in the workplace.

From a disability perspective, I am now acutely aware of accessibility constraints. As such, I can assist Jelf in better representing a broader spectrum of its community both internally and with our clients.