Harrison Nichols, 17, has sights set on Paris Paralympics
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00:00 We went over to Italy for a few weeks training together
00:03 'cause the crew we rode with, we hadn't rode together
00:05 really since trials earlier this year.
00:07 So it's good to jump back in the crew with each other
00:09 and get to know each other and row with each other
00:12 a bit better and that set us up for the races
00:14 that we went over to Belgrade after the three weeks.
00:17 So it was lovely, went over, went for a week,
00:20 was just get like training on the course,
00:22 getting used to it and then had heats on the Monday,
00:25 I think it was the, I mean the fifth, I think.
00:29 And it was, I don't think we're very happy with that race,
00:32 weren't rowing too well but then we came out afterwards,
00:35 it was a lot better, we like got our stuff together
00:38 afterwards, made some changes and rode a lot better
00:42 afterwards so I was happy with the record charge
00:43 which we came through and won and got a sub seven time
00:46 which was one of our goals, it wasn't the goal
00:49 but pretty like something we wanted to do
00:52 and then we had the final on the Saturday
00:55 which like we did all right, like I reckon we all rode
00:59 the best we could.
01:00 It was the first like K or so, we got knocked around
01:03 by the wind and even the third 500 in the 2K
01:05 was a bit dodgy but the last 500 we really brought it
01:08 together, found a rhythm and just rode through.
01:11 Been thrown together every like, yeah,
01:13 three or four weeks before we started racing
01:15 so to get close to where we got or like to do what we do
01:19 I think was pretty impressive and a testament
01:20 to the coaches, support staff and the athletes
01:22 and their commitment to just get things done
01:25 and just push on with it which, you know,
01:27 it'll be good and hopefully like, got trials and stuff,
01:30 goodbye for a seat in that boat and then hopefully
01:32 go down to Canberra and just row together,
01:34 like just get comfortable with each other
01:36 and hopefully maybe get a medal for Paris.
01:40 So we've qualified the PR34 so the boat is going.
01:44 The four athletes that are in it, we're not too sure yet,
01:47 we have a few trials and all these kind of things
01:50 that we've got to get through and of course
01:51 the coaches will decide from there so,
01:53 which all I can do from there is like, just row my best so.
01:57 - At 17, do you pinch yourself to think that
02:00 what am I, what's happening here?
02:02 - Well if you told me five years ago I was doing this,
02:04 I wouldn't believe you.
02:05 Like, or even two years ago, like,
02:09 less, well just over 12 months ago I was sitting
02:11 in a hospital bed recovering from a reconstructive surgery
02:13 and to be out doing this, like obviously successful
02:17 season last season with States and Nationals as well,
02:20 came away with some gold medals which I was pleased with
02:23 So, but yeah, it's pretty amazing.