Paralympic rower
Paralympic Rower Tony Davis gets his oars into place as he practices with rowing partner Jacqui Kapinowski on the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
Tony Davis was a Rescue Diver in the US Navy. A crewman aboard the SeaHawk, the Navy’s version of the BlackHawk helicopter, he served overseas for 18 months only to be paralyzed in a car wreck on his way home to Washington state. We talked last week as we walked through the Devon Boathouse as Tony headed to rowing practice on the Oklahoma River. He told me that the feeling he got gliding across the water was similar to the feeling he got back in that SeaHawk helicopter. A BlackHawk helicopter flew over the boathouse as we walked out into the light of the morning sun. Tony the SeaHawk for several seconds and pointed it out to his rowing partner and his coaches as he followed them down to the river.
You can see more images from Tony’s practice by clicking here or you can click here to read Ed Godfrey’s story.
Tony Davis practices with rowing partner Jacqui Kapinowski on the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
Tony Davis carries his oars toward the Devon Boathouse after practice with rowing partner Jacqui Kapinowski on the Oklahoma River in Oklahoma City on Tuesday, June 14, 2011. A car accident left Davis, a former Navy Rescue Diver, paralyzed. He taught himself to walk again by watching his son learn to walk, and has been rowing for two years. Photo by John Clanton, The Oklahoman
-John Clanton
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Great Story and great photos like always.
Keep up the great work John