Francesco Cardaioli: merits of the 1x

by Giuseppe Lamanna (translated by Gillian Shaw) source text

Amongst the many problems that can plague the amateur rower, the sculling-related ones are the most tricky: particularly that of finding reliable crew mates. Very often, I am the only one around to row with.

Merits of the 1x

So who better to help me understand than the single sculler in the Italian squad: is solitude in rowing a blessing or a curse? In this sport, the ones who really do battle are those who train alone; those who have chosen to train with only their own demons for company. And only those who train alone, really know what those demons are.

Francesco Cardaioli: “Taking on the single was almost out of necessity rather than choice.  I first competed in a single in my second year as a junior, and I have never stopped since. My first experience of international racing in a single was in 2013. At the start of the four year cycle it had to be the boat class to gain experience racing against seniors. Then, little by little, the single became mine.

I sat in my single scull and wept

by Giuseppe Lamanna (translated by Gillian Shaw) source text

I am certain that rowing doesn’t love me. It doesn’t matter though. I love it. Or maybe not. I hate it, but don’t want to. I’d love to get rowing out of my head, but I can’t. It is too devious/insidious/underhand. First it treats you badly everyday. Then, when you aren’t looking, it leaves something behind.

Only later do you realise that the something was happiness. That’s how it got me. Just at the moment when I thought our paths would no longer cross. Instead, one day at 7.30am, I sat in my single and wept.