PORTLAND, Ore. — The Paralympics take place this summer, and an Oregon rower will be one the athletes going for gold.
49-year-old Todd Vogt will be competing in the Mixed Double Sculls in his division. Vogt began rowing when he was in college, then competed at the club level and in masters events.
“I was pretty much hooked from the first practice,” said Vogt.
Vogt has also coached in high school and college but in the fall of 2017 — everything changed. He noticed his body was off and at first, he thought he was just getting old.
In 2018, he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. It mostly impacts the left side of his body and left Vogt considering how things would change for him.
“In addition to how is this going to impact my marriage, my job and things like that — one of the first things I thought was — that's it, I’m done rowing," said Vogt. "That upset me — because rowing is a big part of my life.”
The diagnosis only set the stage for his second act, Vogt knew about para-rowing and contacted the national team. He got invited to the national team camp and ultimately made Team USA. His biggest success so far, winning a silver medal and standing on the podium at the world championships last year.
“Amazing being there with Parkinson’s, and achieving my rowing dreams a little bit,” he said.
In January, he got the word he would be part of Team USA for the Paralympics.
He'll row with Saige Harper — they'll start training together in a couple of weeks.
In the meantime, Vogt spends six days week training both on the water and in the gym, doing what he can to manage his Parkinson’s disease.
“I would like to think the amount of exercise is helping with the symptoms,” said Vogt.
His biggest rowing test will come on the water in France in August.
“It hasn't been the easiest journey at times. I feel good about the effort, how hard I’ve worked,” said Vogt.
