London Free Press Friday, May 21, 1999

What they do for their sport

By Kathy Rumleski
Free Press Sports Reporter

Click here to see full size. London rowers Ed Winchester, left, and Ben Storey work out on Fanshawe Lake in preparation for the speed-order regatta, the first stage in the Canadian rowing team selection process, which begins today. Members of Canada's bronze medal-winning men's lightweight eight crew at the world championships in 1996 and '97, Winchester and Storey will compete in men's pairs this weekend. Michael Jordan, The London Free Press

 

As Canadian rower Ben Storey aggressively prepares himself for the first stage of the national team selection process this weekend, he's trying not to think about the debt he's incurring as an elite athlete.

Storey, 25, is in financial straits after losing out on $7,000 he was counting on to see him through the summer and the competitive rowing season.

He certainly doesn't have time for a job as he competes for a spot on the national team at the speed-order regatta beginning today on Fanshawe Lake with heats at 6 p.m.

Tomorrow's schedule includes repechages starting at 8 a.m. and semifinals at 6 p.m.

Sunday's finals start at 8 a.m.

Storey, a Whitehorse native now living in London, said some days he doesn't have the time or energy even to mail a letter.

"The training gets pretty intense around this time," Storey said. "You're just totally exhausted.- It's almost impossible to do anything else besides train."

Because of a mix-up, Storey missed his deadline by three day's last month to apply for a $7,000 territorial grant from the Yukon government. There is no appeal process. "That's a significant part of my income," he said.

In the application process for the funding, Storey had to fill out a budget for the previous year of racing and then reapply for a grant this year.

He should have received $2,000 as an extension of last season and another $5,000.

Storey also receives a $450 carding cheque monthly from Sport Canada. Once rent and other expenses are paid for, there’s not much left to live on.

"It's pretty grim," he said. Storey had only $200 in his bank account to get through April and May.

"I had to cancel my, (car) insurance. I'm trying to sell it."

Living in poverty is something many athletes have to deal with. Some more recognizable names and faces make money through endorsements, but up- and-coming athletes are usually on a tight budget.

Storey's roommate and rowing team- mate, Tony Shearing of Toronto, spends all of his monthly athlete assistance income, which is $350, paying the interest on his debt.

Storey received a line of credit from a bank to see him through the season.

So it's tough, but Storey can't let financial worries, affect his performance. He needs to block it out.

"You can't let it get to you; it's not productive."

He's not one to complain either. Storey talked about the enjoyment and opportunity rowing has given him in the last seven years, including trips abroad.

"Our lifestyle is pretty excellent," he said. It's a choice you make. I never feel I'm owed anything."

Storey and his rowing partner Ed Winchester, who were part of the light-weight eights crew that placed third at the 1996 and 97 world championships, will compete in the men’s pair event this weekend.

Winchester, 28, also has a personal struggle to deal with.

Last October, he had surgery to repair a damaged disc in his back. He wasn't sure if he'd ever row again.

"Before surgery, I couldn't even walk any more. I was basically bed-ridden. I had no feeling in my foot or leg," the Saint John, N B., native said.

"I wasn't really sure I'd be able to come back until February."

Winchester injured his back last year, the day before the rowing tea headed overseas for the world championships in Germany.

"I was doing speed work on the water. I just felt a jab in my lower back. I was in severe discomfort and it was getting worse by the hour."

He had two choices: give up rowing completely or have surgery, which wouldn't guarantee his recovery to the point he'd ever again be capable of performing at rowing's elite level.

"Through the winter it was pretty tough," Winchester said.

Volker Nolte, the men's lightweight coach, said the injury and recovery, process have made Winchester a more serious athlete.

"Looking back, I believe he's now more serious. He still has his smile, his jokes going on, but on the other hand I believe this accident made him aware of the ... two sides of life."

Winchester's back still bothers him occasionally, but he pushes through the strenuous training.

"If I want to be considered part a this team, I've got to do everything everybody else does," he said. "It's so competitive that someone would replace me tomorrow."

Both rowers are pleased the worlds are in St. Catharines this year.

Storey's parents have never seen him row.

"That's one of the things I'm really excited about ... having the world championships in St. Catharines because some of my family will get a chance to come and see me."

The worlds are Aug. 22 to 29.