Pushing boundaries helped Emily win gold
Midwife Emily Brace won rowing gold for Wales when she took part in the Home International Regatta in Glasgow in July. Along the way she lost seven stone in weight and became a far fitter, healthier person. This is her inspirational story, in her own word
In the little amount of spare time that I have, I row as a hobby. I first took up rowing as a complete novice two and a half years ago, after I saw a fun event advertised through Llandaff Rowing Club.
I was a complete novice at rowing, and in my younger days sport was definitely not something I was gifted at.
As soon as I started rowing I absolutely loved it. It provided me with the work-life and study balance that I needed.
It’s definitely required a lot of commitment and hundreds of miles on the rowing machine, as well as on the Taff, to get to the standard where I was able to row for my country – but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Of course you can also row for leisure, or just to keep fit, but after I began to see what I was capable of I wanted to push those boundaries further.
I honestly believe it’s completely changed my outlook on life. Furthermore, it’s shown me that if you have a goal, aspirations or ambitions in life and you are committed to putting in the hard work, you can achieve anything.
I trialled for the Welsh squad at the beginning of July, a few weeks prior to the Home International Regatta annual regatta between Scotland, Wales, England and Ireland.
This year it was hosted in Strathclyde, Glasgow (not the brightest or easiest of rowing conditions), but such an awesome experience.
Even to put on the Welsh kit and be a part of the Wales squad was such a memorable and emotional experience.
I was in the stroke seat of the four, so was responsible for setting up the rhythm as well as laying down the power.
The event was a 2km race over a laned course. We led from the start and broke free from England, Scotland and Ireland, with 750m to go.
We crossed the line first, winning gold and four points for our country, with a length-and-a-half of clear water between us and Scotland.
As a crew we had only had four opportunities to train together, but still managed to win and beat the Women’s Henley Winners (England).
When I crossed that line, apart from the increased lactic acid in my legs, I cried tears of happiness.
As a crew none of us had any expectations going into that race, but to win for my country… well, there are just no words to sum up what it meant. It was such an honour.
If anyone knew me when I was a late teen I was extremely overweight (seven stone heavier) and a far cry from being in a shape to even start rowing.
Just over 10 years later and I was chosen to row for my country. It has been such an honour and a privilege.
I think my story also highlights that it doesn’t matter what shape you’re in or what age you are, you can always start somewhere.
Rowing is such a sociable sport and I would recommend it to anyone.
I used to avoid the rowing machine like the plague in gyms, and now I might as well share my residency with the club.
In light of the public health agenda and promoting a healthy lifestyle, there is never a better time to stay active.
I lost my increased weight as a student nurse 13 years ago, and when I say “if I can do it anyone can”, it’s very much the truth.
My turning point came when I questioned how I could promote public health messages when I was leading a poor lifestyle (that, along with other things), and between my weight loss and rowing it has enabled me to become a more confident and much healthier individual.
Rowing isn’t just about competing at the highest level, it’s for all ages, sizes and abilities.
Emily Brace is a midwife for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board