Being invited to sessions at Dorney really helped to focus my mind on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity we have to take part in a home Olympic and Paralympic Games. It motivated me to stick with the sport after a back injury almost caused me to quit earlier in the year.
I really look forward to sessions at Dorney - it’s the highlight of my training week. I first paddled there a few years ago, at a test regatta for juniors. I remember how clear the water was - you could actually see down to the wires holding up the buoys.
Now it’s complete as a world-class venue, there are some great new facilities like the gym and the clubhouse. There’s also a new warm-up lane where you can train out of the wind. And it’s always inspiring as we see the GB flag flying proudly alongside a banner for the London 2012 Games.
Unfortunately I won’t be there this Saturday, as I’m spending the holidays at home in Herefordshire with my mum, dad and sisters, who are all competitive paddlers.
Then, in the New Year, I’m off on my travels. I was just too old to be selected for the Australian Youth Olympic Festival, so while my teammates are away competing in the heat of the Aussie summer, I’ll be on the snow in Sweden, doing some cross-country ski training with friends from Swedish Flatwater team.
Not sure who got the better deal there, but let’s hope we’ll all be bathed in sunshine – and glory – come 2012.
