Pulling power

Having lost most of his sight and lower limb strength after a brain haemorrhage in 2007, Scott Ballard-Ridley became even more determined to achieve his dream of being a professional rower. After winning a Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Award, and en route to competing in the 2012 Paralympics, he tells us about his passions

What’s the best thing about being disabled?
A wider appreciation of what it’s like to have a disability and of things I took for granted before.

What’s the funniest thing anyone has ever said to you about your impairment?
When I won the Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Award at the Hereford and Worcester Sports Awards recently, the photographer took a picture of me and then said “Sorry about the flash, I didn’t mean to blind you”. I told him not to worry about it; I’d beaten him to it!

What makes you angry?
Some people with visual impairments can be very closed-minded when it comes to trying new things. And of course when rowing, losing makes me angry!

If you were Prime Minister, what would you do to improve things for disabled people?
I’d improve standards in accessibility, such as wheelchair access to shops, as well as awareness of visual impairment and other disabilities.

What could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?
It’s already been invented: access to books, magazines and other written materials with e-books and the new iPad. These things will revolutionise reading for me and many others.

What do you like most about rowing?
I love the feeling you get after a hard training session and the team aspect and inclusivity of being in a rowing club. For me, Evesham Rowing Club has supplied me with every­thing I’ve wanted to do; I really owe them a lot.

What do you like least about rowing?
The early mornings are tough – 5am starts when I’m training. Being out on the water at that time when it’s cold is horrible.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?
People with disabilities often have a negative outlook on life and they’ve inspired me not to be like them! By contrast, my good friend Arthur Williams, who was in the Marines until he suffered a spinal injury, is on his way to the Paralympics as a wheelchair-racer. His gung-ho attitude is something I really admire.

Do you have any special or hidden talents?
As an ex-rugby player, I can down a pint in under four seconds.

Can you sum yourself up in ten words or less?
I always try to turn perceived disadvantages into advantages.