12 years ago I had a dream to represent my country in the sport I
loved and to give my all to try and win a medal. This week I added two
more golds medals to my collection.
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| Years of hard work, dedication and amazing experiences |
That first worlds back in
2007 I finished 2nd and won a silver and I was so happy. However knowing
that I could be better lit a fire inside me that drove me to keep
training to keep improving. In 2009 I won the Gold. In 2011 I won the
double. In 2013 I doubled the double. In 2015 I set my highest ever rid
e
score and won my 4th squirt boat world Gold on the same venue as my
first silver with a ride I was so proud of. A ride I may never beat. I
also won a bronze on a wave, a style of paddling I had never before
medaled on.
This year I
won the double again. This time with a freestyle ride that I am so
proud of. That showcases how far I have come as an athlete and how far
the sport has come. People have asked will I continue the honest answer
is yes. For as long as I feel I can be competitive I will compete if I
win medals along the way that's a bonus but what I do know is I am proud
of where I have come from. I am proud of what I have achieved. I have
more drive to be even better. I have more to give.
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| World Champion K1W 2017 |
I am proud to have
helped shaped the future of the sport and to have helped inspire and
coach the next generation to achieve more than could ever be imagined.
To know the future of the sport is looking so strong and that the
athletes following behind me have the drive and desire I had at my
first worlds the drive and desire that will push them too to be better
than they could ever imagine, to achieve their biggest dreams and to do
the impossible. That makes me the most proud and happy. To win one
Championship medal is a dream come true. To win 8x ICF Golds, 1x ICF
Silver and 1 x ICF Bronze and to have been selected to showcase our
sport at the London 2012 games is insane.
Thank you to everyone who shared this adventure with me and made it possible. Here's to even bigger rides in the future.
