In 2009 while training for a crossing of the English Channel and competing in Surf Life Saving, Reynolds participated in the WAIS Talent Search, then known as Talent ID. The testing showed her suitability for kayak, with Reynolds joining a pathway program to develop the next generation of kayakers.
“The TID program and WAIS program were both critical to my development and success as an athlete. It almost took me an entire year to learn to sit in the boat and not fall in.
“However the laughs and support from the coaches and other prospective athletes helped us to form a special bond which we carried into the seasons.”
With her ongoing development, Reynolds became a WAIS scholarship holder in 2012. “Further on down the track at WAIS I had a huge amount of support in the gym, with the dietician and physiologists who have helped me to become the best version of myself,” something Reynolds credits with helping her get to where she is today.
“It was a dream, however I didn’t often think so far ahead”, Reynolds said of one day going to the Olympic Games.
With that in the back of her mind she took a one step at a time approach focusing on goals along the way.
“I had seen kids a few years older than me travelling overseas for Junior and U23 teams which looked amazing and I wanted to be a part of that group.
Strong performances and progression saw her selected for the Junior World Championships in 2013 and Under 23 World Championships in 2014, 2015 and 2017, where she continued to home her skills only this time on the world stage.
Silver medals in the K4 and K2 at two key Olympic selection events in early 2020, the Oceania Championships and Australian Championships, saw the Olympic dream turn in to a reality with Reynolds selected the Australian Olympic Team for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“The TID program brings me so many fond memories and is really where I discovered my passion for this really fun sport,” Reynolds said of the experience. “It provided me a really strong foundation to further my career as an athlete and I wouldn’t be here without it – I highly recommend giving it a crack!”
The 2020 WAIS Talent Search is happening Saturday September 26 and Sunday September 27 at the WAIS High Performance Service in Mt Claremont for anyone born between 2002 and 2006. Testing is free and will test their suitability for kayak, rowing, cycling, diving, and pole vault.
