A former para-athlete has teamed up with the University of Lincoln to help her become the first adaptive female to row solo across the Atlantic.
Scientists at the University have been using cutting edge technology to adapt a footplate, enabling Kelda Wood to row the 3,000 mile journey despite a life-changing ankle injury.
Kelda described the work as ‘absolutely crucial’ to her challenge.
“What this technology at the University is doing is allowing us to look at what range I have got, so when we’re adapting the footplate, we can see where we need it to rotate and where we need it to stop – without that technology we wouldn’t be able to do that,” Kelda said.
Despite her injury 16 years ago, Kelda has gone on to compete in the para-canoeing world championships, as well as becoming the first adaptive female to summit the highest peak in South America.
Now, her ‘Row to Raise’ challenge will help raise money for children suffering from physical and mental trauma.
Franky Mulloy, Research Fellow in Biomechanics at the School of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “As a discipline, and a department, it’s great to be able to work with Kelda on a project with such fantastic real world impact.”
“Not only in the row itself, but also in raising awareness for others who have experienced mental and physical trauma.
“This technology is incredibly useful in assessing the human-equipment interaction to inform design,” said Mr Mulloy.
The news comes after numerous scientific successes at the University including pioneering research into driverless cars and antibiotics.
Kelda said: “It’s been incredible to see the process develop and the work with the University of Lincoln will be absolutely crucial in allowing me to take on this challenge.”
Kelda will complete her final stages of training in the autumn and you can donate to the challenge by visiting the ‘Row to Raise’ website.