By Isle of Wight Observer
Islander, and former lifeguard at the Waterside Pool in Ryde, Annie Caddick, rowed herself to an impressive Silver medal in the Paris Paralympics on Sunday. Rowing with partner, Sam Murray, in the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls, the pair progressed through the heats and repechage and finished less than two seconds behind the winning Australian boat. After leading at the half-way stage, they finished less than a second ahead of Germany.
Annie, who went to Ryde School and suffers from cerebral palsy, said, in an interview with the RNIB, after collecting her medal: “It wasn’t easy conditions, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, with the crowd lifting us in the final stages. We will enjoy the moment and then think about 2028.”
While growing up in Bembridge, Annie developed a passion for water sports, spending her free time surfing with her family. She started rowing while studying at the University of Birmingham, as it was the first time she had participated in a sport where she felt she could keep up with her able-bodied team-mates, and was treated as an equal rather than someone with a disability.
Last year, Annie and Sam won Bronze at the European Championships and finished fourth in the World Championships.