Soul-stirring win for wife of late legend
Felt like Dudley was willing me on: Storey
In many ways, this has been a week rowing stalwart Paula Storey has dreaded, but ultimately, she may emerge the stronger for it. On Tuesday, Storey combined with good friend Eugenia DuffDobson to take out the women’s H (70+) double scull final at the World Masters Games 2017 regatta on Lake Karapiro.
But it was a triumph that so nearly did not happen, after husband Dudley Storey was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in December and died in March.
Dudley was, and remains, an icon of New Zealand rowing, having helped the coxed four to Olympic gold at Mexico City in 1968 and then taking silver in the coxless four at Munich four years later.
Dudley was coach and prime motivator for wife Paula, a member of New Zealand’s first women’s crew in 1966, as she prepared for these World Masters Games.
Paula originally entered four events at this regatta, but withdrew from them all to care for Dudley in his final weeks. The past few months have been harrowing for her and the last thing she felt like doing was returning to the lake that held so many memories.
But when Dudley died, Paula found herself living with daughter Alison up the road from the rowing venue and was reluctantly convinced to get back out on the water to fulfil her commitment to Duff-Dobson.
“It was very emotional,” she admits. “I wanted to compete at the Master Games for Dudley’s sake, because he was my motivator and driver to do it — I felt like he was willing me on. I was so stoked to be reinstated in the Games.”
Supported by family and friends from the rowing community, she and her partner cruised down the 1000m course to finish almost 15 seconds clear of Sydney University in second.
“It was very, very emotional,” sobs Paula. “I just about needed a bucket at the end, but I’m so glad I did it and it was even more special that I won the gold medal for him.”
Paula understands she must find a way to move forward. That may see her return to her on-shore duties within rowing, but she’s still not sure whether to continue with her own competitive career at masters level.
“Whether or not I have the motivation left to train — I’ll tell you in four years’ time.”
For full schedule and results go to www.worldmastersgames 2017.co.nz
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