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Interview

Kiko’s Atlantic Row: ‘It’s either a story, nothing happens or death’

May 15, 2018 by badassery No Comments

Photo: Anthony Ball

When 37-year-old Kiko Matthews set out to break the solo speed record for rowing the Atlantic in January, she’d already faced death at least twice in the form of two brain surgeries and time in intensive care whilst deeply ill with Cushing’s disease. Her experience inspired a quest to raise money for King’s College Hospital who treated her, and fostered a positive mindset that meant that even the 80ft waves she encountered during her record breaking 49-day row didn’t faze her.

In fact, Kiko completed the 3280-mile Atlantic row without any dramatic tales; she didn’t missed anyone or anything, liked her own company and genuinely enjoyed the experience. Truth be told, I was expecting tales of hallucinations, naked rowing and life-changing moments of facing fears, loneliness and total exhaustion, but Kiko’s positive approach to life meant that, save the brief low moment, she literally sailed through it. As she said to me, “You don’t have to do a big challenge in order to find yourself or to be happy – for me, these revelations have come from everyday life, from all the experiences I’ve had, good and bad.”

Enjoy the rest of our chat.

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Interview

Kiko Matthews: Atlantic rower-in-training

May 22, 2017 by badassery No Comments

A few years ago, 33-year old Kiko Matthews was seriously ill with Cushing’s disease, suffering with everything from 65% muscle loss to psychosis, diabetes and osteoporosis. Fast forward to today and Kiko’s set herself an epic challenge: to not only complete a solo 3000-mile row across the Atlantic, but to annihilate a world record in the process by doing it all within 45 days (current record 56 days)!

Oh, and I should probably mention that the SUP board instructor has NO ROWING EXPERIENCE.
Kiko’s training journey will kick-off properly in October, but today we cover the basics of what she’s up to and why…

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About My Blog

Mountain View

I'm a sports/adventure journalist and copywriter, and I LOVE reading about badass women in sport, fitness and adventure. So I’m on a mission to find them, share their stories, and quiz them about their training, their motivation, and insider tips (totally hoping some badass magic will rub off on me along the way!). Plus I’ll bring you how-tos, must-have kit and tales of epic from some of the coolest and toughest events on the planet.

Email Me: katie@lessonsinbadassery.com

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