Becky Coleman Makes History in first Adaptive Boat Race Challenge

On Thursday 2 April 2026, Becky Coleman, a wheelchair rower from Fulham Reach Boat Club, joined by four other crews featuring disabled rowers took on the historic Boat Race course as part of the first-ever Adaptive Boat Race Challenge.

Becky was the only disabled rower to complete the full course using her arms alone. She raced in a double scull alongside Accessibility Lead Coach Denise Martin Van Meurs, with Tracy Corbett serving as cox. Becky was fundraising for The Sepsis Trust and raised over £2,600 for the charity and the sports charity Fulham Reach Boat Club.

The crews set off surrounded by Oxford and Cambridge teams warming up for their upcoming Boat Race, with Becky’s crew leading the charge. Benefiting from favourable wind and tide, they made strong progress towards the first major milestone, Hammersmith Bridge. A large contingent of Fulham Reach Boat Club supporters gathered there to cheer them on, alongside participants from the charities Free Watersport Week. Becky’s colleagues were also in attendance, having been given the afternoon off to show their support and lined Hammersmith Bridge.

Reflecting on the conditions, Becky said: “The start was choppy and challenging, but it eased as we approached Hammersmith Bridge. The crowds and support really lifted our spirits.”

Cox Tracy Corbett expertly steered the fastest line towards the bandstand around the Chiswick bend, as Becky found her rhythm and an extra burst of energy. The crew maintained strong pace past Barnes, pushing on to the finish line at Chiswick Bridge.

Having trained for an hour-long effort and set a target time of under 60 minutes, the crew were thrilled to cross the finish line in just 33 minutes—an extraordinary achievement for this inaugural adaptive event.

Becky added: “It was amazing to complete the iconic Boat Race course and to row with the coach who introduced me to the sport. I’m incredibly proud of the time we set.”

Adam, CEO of Fulham Reach Boat Club, said: “Becky is an inspiration to us all. She has shown that this sport is for everyone, and with the right support at via our charity, we hope her achievement will inspire more people with disabilities to give rowing a go.”

You can support Becky's fundraising for The UK Sepsis Trust and Fulham Reach Boat Club here.

Building on last years accessible rowing pilot, Fulham Reach Boat Club is able to support more people with disabilities this year who would like to give rowing a go! Thanks to support from The National Lottery Community Fund. If you would like to join one of our Accessible Rowing and Environmental Activities, please get in touch with our Accessibility Lead Coach Denise.