We kick off the new year with our catch up with experienced Olympic sprint kayaker Steve Bird to find out the main reason why he got into the sport, whilst we also learnt of his interest in music away from the water.
- What made you want to start participating in your sport?
My brother made me. He is 7 years older. I idolize him. I kayak because he kayaks.
- What is your favourite kind of training session and why?
Any session that involves a team boat. I enjoy the feeling of working together with another paddler to achieve rhythm and synergy.
- What is your biggest sporting achievement to date?
Making the final in my event at the last two Olympic Games.
- What is your ultimate sporting goal?
An Olympic podium.
- What is your favourite thing to do away from your sport?
Play the drums and the guitar.
- What is your biggest non-sporting achievement to date?
I achieved a high distinction last semester in a statistics unit. I was quite thrilled!
- Nutrition is obviously a big part of being an athlete. What is your favourite meal to cook/eat?
Hamburger, sweet potato chips, salad.
- What does your weekly schedule look like?
|
|
MONDAY |
TUESDAY |
WEDNESDAY |
THURSDAY |
FRIDAY |
SATURDAY |
SUNDAY |
|
MORNING |
Paddle |
Paddle |
Paddle |
Paddle |
Paddle |
Paddle |
REST |
|
AFTERNOON |
Gym |
Gym |
Gym |
Gym |
Gym |
Gym |
REST |
|
EVENING |
Paddle |
Paddle |
Paddle |
REST |
Paddle |
REST |
REST |
- What is an interesting fact about you that not many people know?
I can speak a bit of Zulu and Afrikaans.
