A post yesterday on Row2k got me thinking about this. Rowing equipment can go wrong at any race, and it certainly can at the BIG races, such as the World Championships or the Olympics.
Sometimes the results of those equipment failures can be small, such as a short equipment delay or a restart of a race.
Other times they can be devastating, such as this example. A high-tech, wonderful shell can certainly be stopped dead by a 49 cent fastener.
If you have a chance, check out a rowing coach while her race is coming down the course. It might look like she is holding her breath.
Now you know one reason why.
