Canoeing Hopefuls Warm Up For Olympic Trials

Published On: 22 February 2008

With the first of the Canoeing Olympic Trials in two and a half week’s time, this weekend’s Grand Prix at the Sydney International Regatta Centre will provide a form guide to the Olympic prospects of WAIS paddlers.

 

National Team members Lisa Oldenhof (Hilton), Rachel Simper (Mosman Park) and Reece Baker (Marmion) will be looking for strong performances in their respective events.

Of particular interest will be surf paddler turned kayak paddler Alana Nicholls (Dianella) who has shown outstanding improvement in the six months that she has been in a kayak and if training form is any indication she could well trouble some of the front runners.

 

Showing the benefit of a strong consistent build up Jesse Phillips (Nollamara) is also expected to push the top end paddlers and it will be interesting to see how he performs with Steve Bird (Mosman Park) in the K2 events.

 

Michael Baker (Trigg) has paired up with Jacob Clear (QAS) and they will be looking to maintain at least their second placing in the K2 1000m that they achieved in the first Grand Prix in Canberra back in January.

The event’s results will give a clearer picture of which events Australia will have qualified in for the Olympic Games. Spots have so far been guaranteed in the men’s K1 and K4 1000m events and the women’s K4 500m.