Canoe Slalom paddler
Swapping jackets for T-shirts, scarves for sunscreen it was an uplifting week in Bratislava under the Slovak skys. Mike and I were certainly glad to have flown out for four days and it turned out to be a great four days at that. Bratislava being the course that hosted the World Championships last year and the place Mikea and I qualified our Olympic places, there are some good memories here and a strong sense of nostalgia.
I have never been so bitterly cold under sun and clear blue skys as I was today at the course in Lee Valley, paddling demos and forerunners for the team GB Olympic trials. Weather being a topic primarily saved for awkward lapses in conversations, today it was avidly discussed and agreed upon that the temperature was 'bloody freezing' and that jandals were a rather stupid choice of footwear in such bitter conditions.
Wow, what an incredible summer it has been in New Zealand. A few ups and downs but overall it was such a great domestic season of training. I feel strong for my arrival in London and getting back on the course. Time has flown and it has been over five months since I was over there last.
Wow, what an epic month it has been! Three weeks of training and racing in Australia, back to NZ to clock up some work hours, and starting the first semester at Waiariki (I am yet to physically attend my first class...). I'm now back padding on the Kaituna with a new gym programme and new training phase.
Yesterday I received the news that I have been officially selected into the NZ Olympic team to compete in the London 2012 Games. It's hard to describe the feeling following this call but I am sure you can imagine it entailed emotions of relief, excitement and an immense sense of achievement. It has been a lot of hard work and this has been a major goal for me for a long time. Obviously it is only the first step and my eyes are officially locked on an ultimate performance in London with everything (mind and body) coming together on the day.