S5E4: For One Heart Attack Survivor, the Beat Goes On

This is the first episode in a series on heart attacks and emergency preparedness. In this multi-part series you’ll hear first hand accounts from rowers who survived heart attacks, teammates and coaches who witnessed these events, and even from widows who reflect on warning signs and “what ifs.”

In this episode:
Willamette Rowing Club couple David Setter and Sarah Copeland are enthusiastic about having learned to row as adults and use the word "fun" to describe their rowing life way more than anyone else we've can think of. But one day in 2018, David had a heart attack. Together, David and Sarah recount that day and why he survived, and delve into  recovery and returning to the boat. We also come to terms with erg splits going up as we get older and talk about learning to enjoy rowing for the sake of rowing.

We also tap Tom Rooks, USRowing’s Director of Safeguarding, for top tips that coaches, rowers, and teammates can use when there’s an emergency on the water, or around the boathouse.

Other episodes in this series:
Giving and Getting Support: Burnham Boat Slings’ Peter Kermond

Sue and John Hooten’s Mutual Admiration Society

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QUICK LOOK

00:00 - Episode lead-in
01:21 - The Huddle: Get to know David and Sarah
04:10 - David and Sarah's rowing week was terrible
06:44 - Hot Seat Q&A
17:00 - David’s rowing origin story
21:43 - Sarah’s rowing origin story
24:41 - David describes his heart attack like “the 1,500m mark of a 2k”
30:27 - Genetics had David thinking he’d be dead by 60
35:39 - Sarah’s side of the story: knowing David since they were 16, she was sure he’d survive the heart attack
37:36 - Trusting your body after injury, and your heart after a Widowmaker heart attack
44:18 - The reality of getting older, slower splits, and finding joy in rowing
49:19 - What’s ahead for David and Sarah’s rowing life in 2024?
53:18 - Tom’s Top Tips: USRowing guidelines for responding to a heart attack at your boathouse
57:49 - Behind the scenes with Tara and Rachel

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To see photos of David and Sarah, and get links to the people, clubs, events, and resources mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.

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This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, Concept2, EB5 Investors, RowSource, and our Patrons.

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This episode was written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.