The German who recovered from a stroke to seal Olympic first
Key takeaways
- Kathrin Marchand was an elite rower for years before becoming a doctor.
- https://p.dw.com/p/5C8hk Kathrin Marchand has won medals at European championships in both rowing and para-rowing Image: Thomas Klein/DWAdvertisement.
- "Five years ago, I never would have thought I'd be rowing this much again," Marchand told DW.
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
Kathrin Marchand was an elite rower for years before becoming a doctor. But a stroke at the age of 30 changed everything. Despite the challenges, she has now achieved something no other Olympian ever has.
https://p.dw.com/p/5C8hk Kathrin Marchand has won medals at European championships in both rowing and para-rowing Image: Thomas Klein/DWAdvertisement. A little tired but with a smile on her face, Kathrin Marchand arrives for her first training session of the day. Together with her rowing partner Valentin Luz, the para-athlete will spend the first few hours of the day on the water in a double scull. A few quick stretches, and then they're off.
"Five years ago, I never would have thought I'd be rowing this much again," Marchand told DW. "I consider it a privilege that I can still compete at the elite level."