Nature will always win in the end, as it must if our species is to survive
S.B Nuland
It’s simple, and all too easy to forget the immense power of mother nature. She can construct a universe and act upon the intricacies of the atom, but perhaps we are more aware of her almighty omnipotence in more subtle ways in our day-to-day lives. A pertinent and all too relevant example in recent years is the uncertainty surrounding Head Races which has shifted a question of “will they win” to the more unfortunate “will they race?”.
The start of 2020 has been a busy one for the news-desks of reporting agencies. It began with reports of Corona Virus (officially SARS-COV-2) breaking western headlines in early January when it became clear that what was originally thought to be a seasonal flu outbreak in a medium sized Chinese City was far more serious than initially expected. Almost everyday a new number, projection, or as previously unknown threat is announced to the world. At the time of writing there have been around 3,000 deaths worldwide, with the first British fatality recorded on the 28th February.
This led the WHO decreeing the outbreak has reached a “decisive point” with the virus displaying “pandemic potential”. Department of Health and the Home Office advice soon followed with the latest reports suggesting plans are in place to close schools and colleges around the country to prevent the spread of the disease within British borders.
Crucially, however, the WHO has continued to maintain the stance that the greatest threat posed by this Novel Virus is the fear it causes. Already stores around the UK have sold out of all manner of antibacterial products, as well as store-cupboard essentials such as canned vegetables, flour, and long life milk.
Whilst general advice provided by British Rowing demonstrates restrictive diplomacy, the message at the club level is more destructive. Athletes who would previously spend a session on the bike due to seasonal sniffles are instead advised not to come into contact with the rest of their squad for fear of allowing pathogens of all kind – not just coronavirus – to spread between rowers.
Similar advice has led to major changes in the Global Sporting Calendar, with the futures of F1, Six Nations, Euro 2020, and even the Tokyo Olympics hanging in the balance. One could argue it’s only a matter of time until regional sporting events, including junior rowing highlights are affected in a similar fashion.
A much more imminent threat to the seasonal continuation of our sport, however, comes from above.
The waves are a constant foe for oarsmen, but when white ponies metamorphose into horses of hell – helped on their way by storms Brendan, Ciara and Dennis – they become an insurmountable challenge that leads to cancellations of Heads up and down the country.
Already this year a number of events have been cancelled – most recently the Torpids – with cancellation numbers looking to rival those of 2019, which saw no fewer than 30 British Rowing affiliated events cancelled due to adverse conditions.
The uncomfortable truth is that our sport is caught between worlds. Worlds of disappointing elitism and inspiring heroism, sheltered minds and exposed skin, kindness and disillusionment. These spheres battle each other in a coliseum of history, filmed by the smartphones of tomorrow, watched by crowds of today.
Yet however hard we may try to assert our own will on this sport; this way of life, we all ultimately fall quiet when Mother Nature awakens and spreads her wings. Because rowers don’t battle under the eye of the sky, they race with nature.
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Ed Evans
Opinions Editor
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