Robin Gibbons

Robin (50, from Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire) is this year's FES-rowing team captain. Graduated as a Graphic Designer in 1977, but joined the Royal Navy Survey Branch! Re-trained as Commissioned Officer and sub-specialised as Navy Diver. Left the Navy in 1987. Joined Sultan of Oman's Navy training Officer Cadets for the first two years then recruited to set up and run a Graphic Design Studio for the Navy. I left in 1991 to commence professional flying training in America. Returned to the UK in 1994 to convert American licences and start aviation career. Following car accident in 2001 (T5 complete), tried to re-gain as much fitness as possible, swimming mainly, which was taken to new heights by the discovery of a research project being run by Brian Andrews using electrical stimulation to power legs. Joined the Brunel research team in 2003. Passion now is to make technology available to as many disabled people as possible.

In 2004 he and Sol Solomou (see below) made history as the first paraplegic rowers to take part in the British Indoor Rowing Championships. Robin is keen on improving his performance in the 2000 meters from 12min 2.4 secs in 2004 to under 10 minutes - a challenge put to him and Sol by no less than James Cracknel at the BIRC-2004 medal ceremony at the Leander Club (see above). Changes in the FES-rowing machines and dedicated training have certainly put him in a good position to do so. Robin has his own FES-rowing machine at home, where he trains 5 to 6 times a week completing a 5000 meter training session. Robin also regularly swims in the ASPIRE swimming pool and works out in their gym. In addition he has taken up the responsibility of setting up FES-rowing training at the ASPIRE National Training Centre at Stanmore as well as continuing to develop the technology with Professor Andrews.

Sol Solomou

Sol (35, from Loughton, Essex) and Robin were the first paraplegic rowers in the British Indoor Rowing Championships in 2004. He also aims to improve on his time from 2004 which was 13mins 59.1 seconds and meet the challenge set by James Cracknell.

Sol had a farming accident 8 years ago, which left him paralysed from the eighth thoracic vertebra down. Keen to get involved in research projects, he started FES-cycling 5 years ago and has recently taken up the challenge of FES-rowing. Two young children, his wife and a busy job as a peer support officer for the Spinal Injuries Association have not limited him in spending many hours on the FES-rower and FES-bike. This long-term use of FES has resulted in some very well conditioned leg muscles that he hopes that this will give him just that bit extra. Sol believes that FES has improved his overall level of fitness, muscle tone and blood circulation and is now looking forward to testing his strength and stamina in the World Indoor Rowing Championship In Boston.

Sara Orr

Very fit teenager, played hockey at Regional level for Central Scotland up to accident in 1993 at age 16 (C7/8 complete). Spent a year in hospital before returning to school. Studied Environmental Sciences at the University of Edinburgh graduating in 1999. Worked for Oxfam before travelling around America. Worked for Spinal Injuries, Scotland before moving to London to work for Backup in 2001. In 2004 I left to travel the Australasian continent and New Zealand. Introduced to FES rowing by Robin early 2005. Started FES Assisted Exercise Programme pilot study at the ASPIRE National Training Centre in October 2005. Graduated after completing 2,000meters in January 2006 (see above picture with certificate of achievement). Want to push my personal rowing limits whilst helping to promote the activity to others. Returning to the University of London in September to study MA in Human Rights.

Kevin Brookes

Kevin (44) is a keen rower at the London Regatta Centre in London's Docklands. Joined Royal marine commandos 1981-89, travelled extensively, left and ended up running my own small successful company installing spiral staircases until an accident at work put me in wheelchair may '99 (T6 complete). Since then got married and I play competitive basketball and took up rowing. Started FES August 2005 and am as busy as I've ever been. I now look forward to winning an event in rowing sometime in the future. I also row (fixed seat) on water and I hope to compete in the Paralympics. I'm also looking forward to FES rowing in a boat in the near future!

He is training several times a week in his boat or on the rowing machine and has competed in a number of regatta's in the so called arms-only category (for rowers who can only use their arms for rowing). Some months ago the London Regatta Centre extended their adaptive rowing programmes to also include FES ergometer rowing. Kevin was eager to see if he could use his leg muscles for rowing using FES technology. He now uses FES rowing to complement his arms-only rowing.