ROCHESTER, N.Y. — When Todd Vogt hits the water, everything else disappears. It’s that feeling that made him fall in love with the sport in college.
“I remember thinking to myself; I can do that. If pushing yourself physically hard as a requisite, I can do that," said Vogt.
Vogt eventually became a world-champion rower and coach. But in the fall of 2017, Vogt became worried his training caught up to him.
“I didn’t feel good, I was weak, fatigued," said Vogt. "I felt like I was losing a step, to use a sports metaphor."
After a year of doctor’s visits and tests, Vogt was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s. That news changed everything he knew.
“That was a good chunk of my identity, being a competitive rower. I assumed that part of my life was over," said Vogt.
Vogt decided to research rowing times and qualifications for the Paralympics. Now he’s heading to Paris, competing in this year’s games as a member of Team USA.
“I always loved to train as a rower. Now to get to do this full-time is the most awesome thing," said Vogt.
Over the years, Vogt learned to manage his Parkinson’s, but some days during training are better than others. It’s something Vogt says messes with his mind.
“I never made the Olympic team during my able-bodied days," said Vogt. "Now I’m living about my rowing fantasy but with this sort of baggage with having Parkinson’s."
It's a feeling Vogt hopes will disappear once he hits the water in Paris this August.
The Paralympics run from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.