Naomi Flood |
Australian Canoe Sprint Head Coach Martin Marinov believes that ‘all athletes are in very good form’ Just 3 weeks out from when racing commences on the Eton Dorney course.
A former Olympic bronze medalist (Seoul 1988), Marinov knows what it takes to win at the highest level and has been busy working with Australia’s top female athletes in Varese, Italy.
Marinov said there is an obvious tension in the group with the Games so close, but everyone focused on the job at hand.
“The atmosphere is a bit tense coming to the most important competition for the last four years, but it is as positive and relaxed as much as you can be that close to the Games,” said Marinov.
“Everyone is focused on their own job and event.”
One of the athletes Marinov has been working with is former Iron-woman world champion Naomi Flood who completed a successful transition to the sport two years ago.
Flood will partner Beijing K4 500 bronze medalist Lyndsie Fogarty in the women’s K2 500 and after some encouraging displays at the first three World Cups this year, the recently formed duo will look to build on those foundations with a strong performance in London.
Flood has enjoyed training in Varese and is feeling confident ahead of the Games.
“All has been going really well here, we have amazing facilities, stay right on the lake where we do all our hard work on the boat and enjoy the Italian summer conditions,” said Flood.
“Everything in training and our preparation has been going to plan and feeling as good as we can before the freshen up begins.”
“The K2 with Lyndsie has been improving and am very much looking forward to racing at Eton!”
Flood will depart Varese for London on the 25th July for Team reception and the opening ceremony before traveling to Belgium to train on the course there, before returning to Eton Dorney for competition.
Marinov acknowledged it is a busy time for the athletes, “We have to manage all these distractions and give the athletes more free time to focus on the regatta and races.”
The XXX Olympiad commences on 28 July and concludes on 12 August.
| Other Links | |
| Follow us on Facebook | |
| Latest Olympic canoe sprint news | |
