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A NEW national hero was born as Theodore Rezvoy rowed triumphantly in to Port St Charles, Barbados on December 18 to become the first Ukrainian to row an ocean. His journey of 67 days from La Gomera also clinched him second fastest time for the east-west crossing of the Atlantic. He left Port Sebastian on October 12, five days after the 36 competitors in the Ward Evans Atlantic Challenge race left from Playa San Juan.But he rowed so fast that he completed the 3,000-mile journey ahead of eight of the two-man crews taking part in the race. Back at his home in Odessa Theodore has become a national hero, with daily bulletins on TV following his progress. A song about his achievements has been written and regularly played on the national radio statio. Red Ted, as the 33-year-old rower from Odessa is known to his friends. was welcomed at Port St Charles by his mother, Tatiana, and wife Ludmilla. Theodore did not eat or sleep for five days as he struggled to escape from the currents around the Canaries. “Those were the only days when I feared I might not make it,” he said. “But for the rest of the time I was certain I would get there in good time.” Theodore was also racing against Norman Butler and Phil Scantlebury, who left from Port Sebastian four days ahead of him. Norman had pulled out from the Ward Evans race, deciding on an individual row after his original partner abandoned the attempt. In the last week Phil also had to quit, suffering from back pain. He was taken aboard one of the Ward Evans safety vessels, leaving Norman to continue alone. Norman is expected to arrive in Port St Charles early next week. |
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Friday, December 28, 2001 |
Tenerife |
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© 1983 - 2001 Ocean Rowing Society |
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