After a strong performance at the first GP event for the Australian domestic season late last year, WA kayaker Jaime Roberts has produced another successful campaign at the NSW State titles, returning several podium finishes.
Held over the weekend at the Sydney International Regatta Centre in Penrith, Roberts found form in the 200m and 500m events.
The Bullsbrook resident opened her campaign with a third place finish in the final of the K1 200m in a time of 42.15sec. The race was won by Queenslander Alyce Burnett ahead of Ella Beere (NSW).
Roberts then paired with fellow WA paddler Shannon Reynolds to take second place in the K2 200m final behind the Olympian partnership of Burnett and Alyssa Bull.
The WA duo also finished runner up to the Queensland combo in the K2 500m final, whilst Roberts was part of a successful K4 500m squad featuring Burnett, Bull and South Australian Cat McArthur that recorded a comfortable victory over the field.
Roberts contested the NSW titles off the back of a solid showing at the Interstate Surf Carnival on the Sunshine Coast, leaving WAIS coach Ramon Andersson in no doubt that the 26 year-old has more in the tank for the rest of the summer.
“Jaime paddled very well,” the 1992 Barcelona Olympic bronze medallist said.
“When you factor in a hard day racing out in the sun (Surf Carnival) and arriving at Penrith close to midnight on top of a very heavy training load, there should be some good room for improvement in upcoming regattas.”
U23 representative Mark Stowe had his first hitout for the summer after a lengthy lay-off with injury. In a depleted field, he showed encouraging signs, winning both the men’s K1 200m and K2 200m finals.
The weekend also saw action closer to home with the WA state titles held at Champion Lakes. WAIS athletes Yale Steinepries and Sam McTigue both enjoyed race wins.
Preparation will now sharpen towards next month’s GP2 in Penrith, with this event (held February 3-5) representing the last competitive practise before the 2017 National Championships in March, which will also be hosted at the Sydney International Regatta Centre.
