John Wilkie in action at the PWS Course

Winter Slalom Series Results

Christian Fabris, a member of the Under 22 Australian team took out the C1 Men's class winning in a time of 242.92. In the Women's K1 Mia Farrance absolutely blitzed the competition winning in a time of 236.76, an amazing 7 seconds ahead of her closest rivals.

John Wilkie was successful in the Men's K1 event winning in 201.49 seconds, 3 seconds clear of Under 22 Australian Team member and fellow clubmen Sam Lyons.

Matthew Coulson and Chris Norrie won the C2 Men's class in a time of 413.7 finishing a successful day for the Canoes Plus Racing Team club and the local Penrith Valley Canoeing Club who each had 2 club members come out winners on the day.

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	Full Results - Saturday
	Full Results - Sunday

Natasa Janics of Hungary celebrates after taking gold in the Women;s K1 500m Final in Athens

Final Day Wrap

The 22 year old who has been overshadowed by teammate Katalin Kovaks since the Sydney Olympics, won the women’s 500m K1 gold in emphatic fashion before teaming up with Kovacs to take the 500m K2 gold as well.

'I can’t describe how happy I am right now', she said after wrapping up the second gold. 'I know that I trained very hard for this and I would have been sad if I had not won the gold medals. I have battled to get past Katalin (Kovaks) since Sydney, and I was very pleased to be able to win the gold for Hungary in the K2 with her', she added.

The final day of the flatwater racing programme was just as memorable for German Olympic legend Birgit Fischer. She took her tally of Olympic medals to nine, in a staggering career that spans 24 years, when she and partner Carolin Leonhardt won the silver medal in the 500m K2 final that was won by Janics and Kovaks.

Fischer was set to retire after the Sydney Olympics, where she won two golds in German crew boats. However she was persuaded to make a comeback, which was rewarded with a gold and a silver medal in Athens. 'At 42, you can’t ask for anything more that that! After all, I trained for 303 days for this, so I am not at all disappointed', she enthused modestly after winning the second medal.

Janics’ win in the women’s 500m K1 final as one of the most emphatic results of the flatwater racing programme. She blasted a massive lead by halfway, and won by two seconds from defending Olympic champ Josefa Idem of Italy.

Idem celebrated her silver medal with her sixteen month old daughter. 'It has been a very emotional time for me', she said. 'I trained until I was seven months pregnant, and started training again 21 days after my daughter was born', she said.

Australian Nathan Baggaley wrote his name in the Olympic record books in style on the final day, which was paddled in awkward, gusting winds, as he won two medals an hour apart. Baggaley and Clint Robinson were ecstatic to win the silver medal in the 500m men’s K2 race, after Baggaley had earlier won the silver in the 500m men’s K1 race. 'I am delighted because this proves that I can take part in three different events', said Baggaley.

The eagerly anticipated showdown for the men’s 500m K1 Olympic crown saw 22 year old Canadian Adam van Koeverden win the gold in a heartstopping final, in which he came from fourth going through the 250m mark to blitz the very powerful field in the end sprint.

The Olympic gold medal caps a meteoric rise to international stardom for the young athlete from Toronto, at the end of a season in which he has been the global men’s K1 pacesetter.

Van Koeverden romped home in a lightning fast sprint to win by more than half a second from Australian Nathan Baggaley, with gutsy British paddler Ian Wynne securing a brave third place. Wynne had to be assisted into his kayak, after badly spraining an ankle falling off a bus the night before the final. He paddled in pain with a heavily swollen and strapped ankle, but this did not detract from his focus and commitment, as he tore past Akos Vereckei and 500m K1 gold medallist Eirik Larsen to grab the medal for Great Britain.

Germany ended the flatwater competition at the top of the medal table, thanks to two gold and a silver medal on the final day of the competition. Reigning world champion Andreas Dittmer went one better than the silver he won in the men’s 500m C1 in Sydney, with a perfectly timed charge that edged him past runner-up Spaniard David Cal and Russian Maxin Opalev, who was the early pacesetter in the final.

In the next final, the German K2 crew of Ronald Rauhe and Tim Wieskoetter led from the gun to take the men’s 500m K2 gold from charging Australians Baggaley and Robinson.

The men’s 500m C2 final produced the closest race of the entire flatwater programme, as eight boats crossed the finish within nine-tenths of a second, with the first three being separated by 0,164 secs. The anxious paddlers had to wait while officials reviewed the photo-finish before awarding the gold medal to the deliriously happy Chinese crew of Meng Guanliang and Yang Wenjun.

It was China’s first Olympic medal, and reflects the rise of the Peoples Republic of China as a world force in canoeing and kayaking. Cuba’s Ibrahim Rojas Blanco and Ledis Frank Balceiro Pajon took the silver, with Russia’s Alexander Kostoglod and Alexander Kovalev in third. Forty-year-old Romanian Florin Popescu ended his paddling career with disappointment, missing out on a medal by a tenth of a second.

Ten minutes later, China nearly had a second medal, as their women’s 500m K2 crew of Xu Lingbei and Zhing Hongyan were edged into fourth in the fast finishing final won by Hungarians Kovaks and Janics.

Final medal table

1.Germany 7 (4G, 3S)
2. Hungary 6 (3G, 1S, 2B)
3. Canada 3 (1G, 2B)
4. Russia 3 (1S, 2 B)
5. Spain 2 (1G, 1S)
6. Norway 2 (1G, 1S)
7. Australia 2 (2S)
8. Italy 2 (2S)
9. China 1 (1G)
10. Sweden 1 (1G)
11. Cuba 1 (1S)
12. New Zealand 1 (1S)
13. Belarus 1 (1B)
14. Great Britain 1 (1B)
15. Poland 1 (1B)
16. Slovakia 1 (1B)
17. Ukraine 1 (1B)

Nathan Baggaley jumping on podium after winning Silver Medal in K1 500m at Athens Olympic Games

Fired-up Baggaley takes silver

Double world champion Baggaley fired from the start and took an early lead but faded in the closing metres as Canada's Adam van Koeverden moved up through the field in the second half of the race to win the gold.

The 28-year-old Byron Bay surf lifesaver said he gave it everything he had.

'I came here hoping for a gold and really believed I could get a gold,' he said. 'I didn't get it, I got close and I did everything I could - I couldn't have done any more and I'm happy with the silver.'

It was the second time in two days that Van Koeverden had pipped the Australian.

The Canadian finished third in the K1 1,000 yesterday when Baggaley finished fourth. Baggaley's strain started to show in the final 100 metres.

'If I was going to get beaten, I was going down giving everything, and that's exactly what I did,' he said. 'At 100 to go, that line couldn't come quick enough. 'I could see it, I could sense him coming and I dug as deep as I could. 'To go down that way is the best way.'

Britain's Ian Wynne finished third, while Baggaley's main rival, Norwegian Eirik Veraas Larsen, was fourth.

Baggaley will now back up for the K2 500 with Clint Robinson.

Clint Robinson and Nathan Baggaley winning Silver Medal in K2 500m at Athens Olympic Games

Good enough for Silver!

Nathan Baggaley, just crowned silver medallist in the K1 500m, took to the ice bath after his medal presentation and then sprinted down the course to join Clint Robinson for the final of the K2 500m.

Putting history on the line, the Australian duo flew home in the final metres to grab silver but were well behind gold medallists and World Champions Ronald Rauhe and Tim Wieskoetter of Germany.

Robinson and Baggaley edged past Raman Piatrushenka and Vadzim Makhneu of Belarus who took bronze and several other boats as they came from fifth to grab the silver.

In a photo finish, the Australian crew edged out Belarus for second place, less than a second behind gold medallists Ronald Rauhe and Tim Wieskoetter of Germany.

The German crew recorded a time of 1:27.040 mins while the Australians finished in 1:27.920 mins.

While Baggaley now has two Silver medals to his name, Robinson is the only Australia Kayaker to have a complete Olympic set. Gold in 1992, Bronze in 1996 and Silver in Athens.

Ian Wynne of Great Britain, who came third with an ankle injury in the K1 500m

Bronze Bonus for Hobbling Wynne

Wynne had spent yesterday afternoon relaxing and quietly preparing for today’s final after a disappointing seventh place in the K2 1,000m when he stepped off the bus after dinner and rolled his ankle.

It threw his preparations into disarray but he never considered withdrawing from the race and battled through 120 strokes to snatch the bronze medal in a tight finish.

“It was just a really silly accident. I stepped out of the door of the bus after dinner, missed the curb and sprained it quite badly last night,” he said.

“I didn’t sleep very well last night because I was in quite a lot of pain and my preparations were disrupted.

“Every stroke you do you are pushing with your foot on the foot rest and it drives through the body. You need that leg strength.”

Nevertheless, the modest 30-year-old refused to claim that he would have taken gold ahead of Canada’s Adam van Koeverden had he been fully fit.

“During the race I didn’t feel it (the ankle) at all. As soon as it started I just got on with it,” he said.

“It was strapped up really well this morning. Maybe on another day I could have got gold, maybe I would have come fourth. Once I was racing it was head down and just do the job.

“I am happy with bronze at the moment but will come back and get better next time.”

Wynne needed crutches just to move around on land, but once put in the boat he proved a force to be reckoned with.

His gameplan is always to sit back in the first 250m and then explode through the field at the end. Today, he timed it just right in a tight finish.

From lying sixth at the half-way stage, Wynne powered through and missed out on silver by just eight hundredths of a second, finishing behind Australian Nathan Baggaley.

Had his guts and determination not been so profound, Wynne could have ended up with nothing, but he held off the closing Norwegian Eirik Veraas Larsen, who was chasing his third medal of the regatta after winning the K1 1,000m final yesterday.

In the women’s K1 500m final, Britain’s Lucy Hardy came seventh but had fulfilled her goal for Olympics.

She initially missed out on the final after finishing third in her semi-final on Thursday but was given an unexpected second chance when Poland’s Aneta Pastuszka, the World Championships bronze medallist, was disqualified for an underweight boat.

The 26-year-old, who has a masters degree in exercise physiology, is normally renowned as a quick starter, but today she showed a more even pace and quickened up towards the end of the race.

At the midway point, Hardy sat in seventh, more than a second down on her nearest rival. But in the final 250m she upped the tempo and recorded the fifth fastest split of all to finish in one minute 53.717 seconds.

The gold was won by Natasa Janics of Hungary who was fourth in this event in Sydney but has since gone on to win two world titles and was due off in the final of the women’s K2 500m later in the morning.

Defending champion Italy’s Josefa Idem claimed silver and Caroline Brunet the bronze in what was a strong fleet.

Birgit Fisher and Carolin Leonhardt of Germany in the WK2 500 Final

Birgit Fisher - World Best kayaker

The result was the highlight of a great day for the Germans at the canoeing regatta as they took two golds and two silvers in six races.

Norway and Hungary were the other two countries to star.

Norway's Eirik Veraas Larsen won gold and bronze just over an hour apart in the K1 and K2 1000m and the Hungarian men's K4 1000m retained their Olympic title to the delight of their boisterous, flag-waving fans.

The crew jumped into the lake to celebrate.

But the talk of the first finals day was the German crew of Fischer, Maike Nollen, Katrin Wagner and Carolin Leonhardt who finished less than a metre ahead of Hungary.

Fischer, who in the K2 500m today will bid to join record-holding ex-Soviet gymnast Larysa Latynina as the only woman to win nine Olympic golds at summer Games, punched her fists in delight on crossing the line.

She is the only woman to have won Olympic medals 24 years apart.

'You never know if it is going to be the last medal so it has a higher value,' she said. 'The eighth gold medal has been extremely motivating. I still cannot believe I've got it.'

The German won her first Olympic gold as an 18-year-old in Moscow in 1980 and has not ruled out competing in Beijing in 2008.

It was a different story for Germany in the men's C1 1000m, where Spain's David Cal stunned the defending Olympic champion Andreas Dittmer to win by half a second.

Dittmer was looking for his third gold after winning the C2 in Atlanta and the C1 in Sydney.

'I gave it my all and have seldom felt so exhausted,' he said.

In the first race of the day, Norway's Larsen came from behind to win the K1 1000m and an hour later lined up with Nils Olav Fjeldheim to take bronze in the K2.

He said he did not know how much the first race affected the second.

'I'm happy to get a medal actually but the Swedes were going very, very fast and I don't think we would have beaten the Swedes even if I hadn't done K1.'

World champions Sweden took the K2 gold by half a length over the Olympic champions Italy.

In the men's C2, Germany's Christian Gille and Tomasz Wylenzek came from behind to nick the gold ahead of Russia and Hungary. Romania, the world and defending Olympic champions, finished a disappointing fourth.

Canada's Adam van Koeverden of Oakville, Ontario reacts after crossing the line after the K-1 500 final

Commonwealth Countries Conquer the K1 500m!

Canada's Adam van Koeverden stormed home in the last 100m to take the title of Olympic Champion, to add to the bronze medal he picked up in the K1 1000m.  van Koeverden crossed the line in 1:37.919.

'I can't believe it,' said van Koeverden. 'I didn't think I had it at any particular point, it wasn't until the last five or six strokes to go. It was just pure adrenalin.' 'It sure feels better than yesterday, I was very well and optimistic. I can’t believe it. After first 250m, I gave it all. I wanted to win and I did it. I’m very happy.'

Double World Champion Nathan Baggaley looked like he had the title in hand after firing off the start in record speed to complete the first 250m in 46.99. 

Up a boat length and leading by a second to at the half-way mark, Nathan looked to have the race wrapped up, but couldn't maintain this blistering pace in the second 250m and took silver in 1:38.467.

Baggaley held on for silver, which is the second silver in this event to Australia.  John Sumegi took silver in the 1980 Moscow Games.

Already looking forward to his next final with Clitn Robinson, Nathan was also excitied with his result. 'I got the medal and next I'm going for my race in Men’s K2 500m. I was so close to the first place, I did my best. I feel fine and I’m happy with the medal.'

Britain's Ian Wynne took bronze after having the race of his life in the last 250m.  At the half-way mark, Wynne was placed fifth, but stormed home in the fastest second 250m in the field in 49.317 to finish in 1:38.547.

Wynne appeared to have sustained an injury during the race but also summed up the race perfectly. 'It was a wonderful race. I did what I had to.' 'I am satisfied. I was very well prepared. My dream came true. Next time I hope to win the gold medal.'

Nathan Baggaley narrowly misses gold in the K1 1000m - Athens 2004

Final Chance of Gold

Eight-time Olympic champion, Birgit Fischer of Germany is on target for her ninth Olympic medal in the Women’s K2 500m.  The Germans will not have it easy though, with some tough competition from Hungary and Canada.

Two women paddlers will compete in two events Saturday.  Caroline BRUNET (CAN), holder of 10 World Championship titles and Hungary’s Natasa JANICS will race in the women’s K1 followed an hour later by the Women’s K2.

Other medal contenders in the women’s K1 will be Katrin WAGNER (GER) who is aiming for her fourth Olympic gold medal and defending Olympic champion, Josefa IDEM (ITA).

It is also expected to be a close competition in all the Men’s 500m finals.

World champion, Nathan Baggaley who finished fourth in yesterdays Men's K1 1000m final, and Canada’s Adam van KOEVERDEN who took the bronze medal in the same race will both be hot on the tail of the Men’s K1 500m favourite, Eirik Veraas LARSEN (NOR), who so far in this regatta has won gold in the K1 1000m and bronze in the K2 1000m, will be aiming for a third Olympic medal.

Competition for the Men's K2 500m will be fierce with world champions, Germany, meeting the other two heat winners, Poland and Belarus. Aussie pair Baggaley and Robinson will again be in action and hope to improve on their performances in the heats and semi-finals to take out Australia’s first medal in the Canoe/Kayak events.  

Nathan Baggaley in action during the K1 1000m Final- Athens 2004

Canoeists narrowly miss bronze

Baggaley was prominent early in the K1 behind Canada’s Adam van Koeverden but let the field come back at him in the middle stages.

The Canadian also faded as Norway’s Eirik Larsen surged, taking Ben Fouhy of New Zealand with him.

In a desperate struggle for third place, Baggaley failed by just 0.092 of a second to make up the distance lost earlier.

It was a similar tale in the K2, in which Danny Collins and David Rhodes led after 250 metres and at halfway were still a handy third.

With 250 to go the Aussies had battled into the silver position, but in the race for the line the earlier effort proved costly, and as Sweden pushed away and Italy and Norway slipped past, the Australians missed a medal they deserved by 0.428 of second.

In the women’s K4 500 final Chantal Meek, Amanda Rankin, Kate Barclay and Lisa Oldenhof finished sixth, Australia's best ever performance in womens K4, while Germany’s Birgit Fischer won her eighth Olympic gold medal.

Baggaley will compete in two more finals on Saturday’s (Day 15) final day of the regatta, in the final of the K1 500 medal round, and with Clint Robinson in the K2 500 final.

Birgit Fischer leads the Women's K4 Crew to Gold in Athens 2004

Fischer joins the athletic elite

Fischer won her 9^th gold medal today in the women’s K4 500m elevating her to an elite athletic status. Only a handful of athletes including Carl Lewis, have ever achieved such an amazing career medal haul as Birgit now has, and she has not finished yet.

If Fischer can take gold with partner Carolin LEONHARDT in Saturdays’ WK2 500m, she will join Larissa LATYNINA (URS), who is the only other women to have won 9 Olympic gold medals.

Since the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games, FISCHER has never left an Olympic city without stealing away gold. Formerly a representative of East Germany, she has attended every Olympic Games since Moscow except for the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games which she did not attend.

 Victory would put her total at 12 Olympic medals, including three silvers. LATYNINA has 18 to her credit. She can also claim 27 World Championships titles, which is phenominal in itself

'It always makes you happy to win a medal, but I haven’t realised yet that I’ve got it,' said FISCHER after Friday morning's success in the Women's K4 500m.

'I am very happy. The eighth gold medal has been extremely motivating.'

Nathan Baggaley reacts after winning the men's K1 1000m Semi in Athens

Olympic Drama - You Bet!

Frenchman Babak Amir Tahmasseb produced a shock result in the men’s 500m semi-final, elimination US star Rami Zur in spectacular fashion. He was in fourth place, behind Zur, and about to lose out on a place in the finals on Saturday, when he staged a superhuman effort that nearly lifted him out of his kayak.

His kayak leapt across the line ahead of Zur’s, and in the process Amir Tahmasseb fell out of his craft once it had crossed the line. But he had done enough to secure a berth in the nine-boat final of Saturday.

In the last semi-final, Italian Andrea Facchin edged out Sydney 200 finalist Alan van Coller of South Africa, as well as Swede Anders Gustaffson and seasoned Bulgarian Petar Merkov.

British paddler Ian Wynne continued on his giant killing ways by winning his semi-final ahead of Germany’s Lutz Altepost.

The 500m men’s K1 final will see a fascinating showdown between Norway’s Eirik Larsen, Australians Nathan Baggaley and Canada’s Adam van Koeverden.

In the first of the men’s 500m C1 semi-finals Czech legend Martin Doktor won through to the final, along with Hungarian Marton Joob and rising Chinese star Bing Wang, while in the other semi-final Australia’s Martin Marinov was dumped out of the final by Canadian Richard Dalton.

The women’s 500m K1 semi-finals were dogged by drama when Poland’s Aneta Pastuszka crossed the finish in second place only to be disqualified because her kayak was underweight. The devastating news reduced her to tears, and left the door open for fourth-placed British paddler Lucy Hardy to slip into the final through the back door.

Josefa Idem easily won her 500m K1 semi-final, setting up a fascinating duel with Carolin Brunet of Canada in final, after Brunet had beaten her in the heats, and earned a berth directly into the final in the process. That intriguing final will also feature on-form German Katrin Wagner and Hungary’s Natasha Janics.

In the men’s 500m K2 semi-finals, seasoned Italians Antonio Rossi and Beniamino Bonomi gave their supporters a scare, as the left it to the very last moment to charge through the field to clinch the third and final place in the final.

In that same semi-final, the US’s Rami Zur tasted disappointment for the second time in the day, when he and his K2 partner Bartosz Wolski failed to get past the semi-finals.

In their semi-final, the Australian crew of Clint Robinson and Nathan Baggaley showed that they are hitting top form when it counts, when they powered through the field to finish a very close second to Lithuanians Alvydas Duonela and Egidijus Balciunas, while Swedes Markus Oscarsson and Hendrik Nilsson were shock losers, despite posting a 1 min 31 secs time in that semi.

The days racing was completed in almost windless conditions, after three days of strong tailwinds that dogged the coastal Schinias course.

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	Athens Flatwater Results

Paula Harvey and Susan Tegg race in Athens

Dreams continue, Dreams falter

The least surprising result of the day was the advancement of Nathan Baggaley to the Final of the K1 500m.  With a good start under his belt and the cobwebs blown away, Nathan flew down the course to qualify in 1:39.031 a fraction behind Adam van Koerverden of Canada.

Displaying a cheeky grin after the race, while van Koerverden looked strained, Nathan took the semi in his stride as another 500 down towards the ultimate goal. 

Shortly afterwards he took to the water again with partner Clint Robinson in what was described as ‘Canoeing’s Odd Couple’ for the K2 500m.  There were many nervous fans sitting on the edge of their seats in front of TV’s and screaming as hard as the fans on the banks of Lake Schinias for the duo.  With non-too fabulous results posted this year, the pair had to work all the way to the finish line.

The grit and determination that Clint is famous for was evident on his face in the last 200m of the race.  He didn’t want his fourth Olympic campaign to end in the semi’s.  Using all the strength required to power through the surf in Queensland, both Clint and Nathan powered forward to cross second in 1:30.710, only .44 behind the Lithuanian crew of Alyvdas Duonela and Egidijus Balciunas.

In what has been a first for Australia, Martin Marinov took to the water for the semi of the C1 500m.  Since the introduction of 500m events for men in 1976, Australia has had no representative in this class until now.

Martin went out well at the start taking an early lead position.  At the 250m mark he was battling Canada’s Richard Dalton while Stanimir Atanasov (BUL) and Aliaksandr Zhukouski (BLR) held their lead. 

Surging forward into third place, it looked like Martin had his position in the final, but a late charge by Dalton brought the pair into a neck-a-neck battle, each stroke changing their position and fate for the final.  Somehow Dalton found an extra grain of strength and moved a fraction forward relegating Martin to fourth by 0.192 seconds.

Shattered at the result, Martin sunk onto the dock with his head over his hands as Australian coaches and Bulgarian athletes tried to comfort him.

Australian Head Coach Ben Hutchings hopes Marinov will join Australia's coaching program and help encourage others to take up the sport, if he decides not to continue to Beijing.

Hutchings said while kayaking is common in Australia, especially among surf lifesavers, canoeing is virtually unknown.

'(Many) Australians have never seen it before and I'd love to see it (catch on),' he said.

'It's going to take time and it's going to be difficult but there are people who want to do it, not everyone wants to paddle a kayak.'

Marinov has been paddling for 25 years and could bring a wealth of experience to Australia's fledging canoeists.

'I just think they need that experience and someone like him can pass that on to them,' he said.

Unfortunately the Women took the same path as Martin.  Amanda Rankin competing in her first Olympic Games, flew from the start to take the lead in the first 200m in the WK1 500m.  Katrin Wagner (GER), one of the favourites for the title matched Amanda stroke for stroke, just nudging ahead at the 250m mark by 0.37.

Heading into the second 250 of the race, Amanda began by continuing her form that she showed in the first 250, but was overpowered in the last 150 unable to maintain the same pace.

Paula Harvey and Susan Tegg didn’t get a good start and were last off the start line in the WK2 500m.  Unfortunately that is where they stayed.  Unable to get back into the race, the pair struggled for form and were unable to match their first 250 split sliding even further back from the field.

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	Athens Flatwater Results

Martin Marinov training on the Gold Coast in preparation for Athens

Marinov's Making History

However, moving to Australia has meant becoming virtually anonymous again. While few Australians have heard of Marinov he admits ‘he used to be the centre of attention and is still very famous in Bulgaria. Even today he is still inundated with interview requests from the Bulgarian media.

'I'm still very famous in Bulgaria,' he said.

Life as Mr Bulgaria was full of fun and parties, but Marinov rules out an attempt at becoming Mr Australia.

'Not at my age, it's good for young people,' Marinov said.

He will find himself again in the media’s eye today as he takes on the Men’s C1 500m semi-final field where he will be assured of a final berth in Saturday’s Final providing he finishes in the top three of his semi-final. 

Marinov, who won bronze in Seoul and Atlanta, said he loves the Australian weather and is happy to be part of the Aussie team.

'It's a big team, it's different to Bulgaria, it's a different culture,' he said.

He missed two weeks of training in the lead-up to Athens due to a torn muscle in his upper back, but the injury caused him no problems in the heat.

'I'm getting better every day, better and better,' he said.

'I missed the most important part of my preparation in the last month, but still I feel good.'

Marinov has already made history, becoming the first canoeist to represent Australia over the 500m distance (which was introduced in 1976) and our only C1 500m representative in the past 40 years.

Australia was last represented at the Tokyo Games in 1964 in the canoe class where Fred Wasmer and Vid Juricskay of Victoria competed in the C2 and C1 1000m.

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	Martin's Profile

Andrew McAuley - Attempting the first solo canoe crossing of the Gulf of Carpentaria

Adventurer Stalked by Shark & Crocodile

Andrew McAuley, 34, an IT executive with Coca-Cola Amatil, left Weipa yesterday after paddling his sea kayak down Cape York Peninsula's west coast from Horn Island in the Torres Strait.

He expects to complete the gruelling 530km in six or seven days and to arrive at Nhulunbuy on the Northern Territory's Gove Peninsula on Sunday or Monday.

His aunt, Susan Sandral from Nhulunbuy, said that a shark had mauled the rudder of his sea kayak while paddling to Weipa from Horn Island.

She said that while the shark was attacking the rudder a crocodile was following the canoe.

'He told me he had to keep one eye on the shark and one eye on the crocodile. Fortunately they both went away,' she said.

Ms Sandral said Mr McAuley had been able to straighten his bent rudder by hand.

A spokeswoman for his sponsor, the Australian Geographic Society, said that after leaving Horn Island he was briefed on currents, sharks and crocodiles by members of the Injinoo community in the far northern peninsula.

'They also gave him fishing tips as space for food alongside his water supplies is limited,' the spokeswoman said.

'He'll have to endure the energy-sapping daily 100km of paddling.'

She said he would sleep in his kayak and that on a previous trip across Bass Strait he had capsized while asleep and awoke to find himself submerged.

Mr McAuley had made modifications to the kayak including hollowing out the bulkhead so that he could stretch out and lie flat, she said

He had also built detachable outriggers to provide stability at night.

Australian Geographic Society trustee Rory Scott said the society had defended a number of adventurers this year after rescues had to be mounted.

'Exploration is part of our cultural heritage and Australians should be encouraging the spirit of adventure, not squashing it,' he said.

Ms Sandrail said yesterday's weather conditions were ideal with only a light breeze and a flat sea.

Nathan Baggaley takes the lead in Athens

All Australian Crews through to Finals on Day 3

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	Athens Flatwater Results

Nathan Baggaley after receiving K1 3000m Gold Medal at 2004 World Cup in Duisburg

Baggaley grilled after semi

Norway's media grilled Baggaley after he finished second to Eirik Veraas Larsen in the heats, asking him questions such as how his self esteem was holding up.

Baggaley shrugged it off but today head kayaking coach Ben Hutchings came to the post-match media zone, even though Baggaley easily won his semi final.

'(Baggaley) knows that those people are just doing their job to try to get him down but he is too strong for that,' said Hutchings.

'He would have answered all those questions his own way and appropriately.

'I thought it was time now, with a little bit of pressure and the knife edge coming on us, that (coaches) have to be in the right place all the time, just to be there for support.'

Hutchings said people should not write Baggaley off because he did not fly straight through to the final.

'The big race is coming, and that's what's important and that's what Nathan is good at,' he told AAP.

'He is a mongrel, he is a racer, and he's a big occasion performer.'

Baggaley, a two-time world K1 500 champion, said he deliberately let Larsen win the heat of the K1 1000 as he needed more race practice ahead of the final.

He also said Larsen is a consistent performer, who will race the same way in the heats as he does in the final, while Baggaley takes a few hit-outs to warm up.

Baggaley was happy with his performance in the K1 1000 semi.

'Little by little I'm getting a bit more feel, the power's coming back, my whole race plan and everything is starting to come together again,' he said.

'It's been good for me, having a few extra races in the K2 and things like that, it's definitely helping me.

'At this stage I'm not slowing up, I'm getting faster.'

Other Links
	Athens Flatwater Results

Australia occupies lane one as the athletes leave the starting line during the women's K-4 class 500 metre heat on 23/08/2004

Looking to lift LK4 curse

Chantal Meek, Amanda Rankin, Kate Barclay and Lisa Oldenhof led from the start of their semi to qualify for the Olympic final.  Crossing in a time of 1:33.977, well clear of the Japanese and Canadian crews.

Amanda commented after the race, 'The race was very difficult', but the girls are already looking towards the final to be held on Friday.  'We have very strong opponents in the final, like Germany and Hungary. Anything can happen. We have worked very hard to create this team.'

Australia is a bronze medallist from the 2003 World Championships, but the crew combination has changed since then.

The crew only needs to place 7th in the Final to become our most successful Women's K4 crew at the Olympics.  Australia has twice finished eighth in 1992 and 1996 and devastatingly missed the Final in 2000 by 0.24 seconds after coming fourth in the Semi-Final.

Other Links
	Athens Flatwater Results

Nathan Baggaley takes the lead in Athens

World Championship rematch

Nathan Baggaley has qualified for the Olympic final of the K1 1000m, after winning his semi-final at Lake Schinias.  Baggaley recorded a time of 3:28.417 and led throughout the race to easily move through to the final.

He finished second in his preliminary heat on Monday and needed to finish in the top three of his semi-final to progress.

Bjoern Goldschmidt of Germany finished second and Roei Yellin of Israel took third in 3:29.561 and 3:30.005 respectively.

Adam van Koeverden (CAN) silver medallist at the World Championships last year also glided easily into the Final after winning the second semi-final in 3:27.502, a second and a half clear of the field.  Roland Kokeny (HUN) and  Emanuel Silva (POR) took the remaining spots in the final with times of 3:29.134 and 3:29.942.

Baggaley said of his semi 'My start was good, even if a little bit late. I am satisfied with my performance, Now I want to rest. I am confident about the final, I believe in myself.'.

For the first time in the events history, three non-Europeans medalled at the World Championships in Gainesville (USA) last year, now we wait and see if this can be repeated at the Olympics.

Reigning World Champ, Ben Fouhy (NZL), will line up against silver medallist Adam van Koeverden and bronze medallist Baggaley.  Interestingly, they haven't qualified for the three middle lanes in the final.  The historic trio have been split by inform Norge, Eirik Veraas Larson (fourth place at the 2003 World Championships) and Tim Brabants, bronze medallist from Sydney and fifth place at the 2003 World Championships.

Roei Yellin (ISR) placed eighth in the final last year, Roland Kokeny (HUN), Bjoern Goldschmidt (GER) and Emanuel Silva (POR) complete the field for the K1 1000m final which will be held on Friday, August 27.

Clint Robinson and Nathan Baggaley after their 500m heat in Athens

Kayakers battle cobwebs

Robinson, who won Olympic gold in Barcelona, and Baggaley, a dual K1 500 world champion, finished fourth in the K2 500 heat and are through to the semis.

'When you come fourth you can't be happy with the way you go,' said Robinson.

'Times mean nothing, placings do.

'It would have been nice to go straight through to the final but that's not the case so we've got a job to do.

'I think we had a steady race but we've got to build from here and we'll sit down and have a chat after (Baggaley's K1 1000) tomorrow and work out what we're going to do.'

Baggaley said it took a few races at the beginning of the program to iron out problems caused by a lack of race practice.

'Yesterday, I got my rude surprise after not racing for a few months,' he said.

'Just a few little things, a few cobwebs and that.

'This is Clint's first hit-out of the games so there was bound to be some cobwebs.

'It's no excuse but I think each race you do feel a little bit better.'

Baggaley has a busy program in Athens with three events, the K1 500, K1 1000 and the K2 500 with Robinson.

The duo, who famously clashed on a Gold Coast beach after a surf race earlier this year, first paddled together in May.

While Robinson admitted they had once been rivals, he rejected suggestions they did not get along.

'I think it's important that we say it once and for all, we never had our differences, it's just been rivalry in K1,' he said.

'Since we've been paddling K2 together, we don't have differences, we've just been paddling together for a common goal.'

Meanwhile, the first flatwater canoeist to represent Australia since 1956, Martin Marinov, finished second in his heat and is through to the semi-final.

Marinov was born in Bulgaria and was once crowned Mr Bulgaria but moved to Australia in 2000 because competition for Olympic berths in Europe was extremely intense.

K2 500 pair Susan Tegg and Paula Harvey were last in their heat but will paddle in the semi-finals.

They were late inclusions in the team after the International Canoe Federation granted Australia extra spots.

Other Links
	Athens Flatwater Results

Nathan Baggaley after receiving K1 3000m Gold Medal at 2004 World Cup in Duisburg

Nathan Out to Bagg Gold

Other Links
	View his profile

Nathan Baggaley

Baggaley through, Ferguson (NZL) lone elimination

Martin Marinov training on the Gold Coast in preparation for Athens

Marinov Means Business

He competed for Bulgaria at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics and picked up a bronze at both games in the C1 500m and C2 500m events. Having participated in the sport for 25 years now Martin has extensive international experience and has achieved several top 3 finishes over the past few years. Marinov will be looking to draw from a wealth of experience if he is to overcome his main rival Andreas Dittmer the reigning world champ and Sydney bronze medallist. He takes his paddling very seriously and whilst he will be up against some strong competition, he will be a contender for a medal in Athens.

Read our recent Q&A with Martin below:

1. How important has qualifying for the Olympics been and what does it mean to you?

It was just a next step. If I am not good enough to be there I do not have to be there. For me is important to start at Olympics with chance to win a medal. Actually it was important to start at my fourth Olympic Games.

2. What has been your toughest challenge or most difficult obstacle to overcome in achieving Olympic selection?

To have an Australian passport at time.

3. Who do you see as your toughest competitor in Athens and why?

The Russian guy. He is a huge talent.

4. What do you foresee as being the most daunting factor in competing at the Athens Olympics (if any)?

I think the difficult weather conditions.

5. What has been your biggest sacrifice on the path to success?

I left my country and came with my family to Australia to build our new live here.

6. Do you have any sporting regrets?

That the Canoeing in Australia is not professional at all. This is so silly for the all athletes that spend ages on the water and finally they cant achieve their maximum.

7. How would you describe your attitude to training?

Train as much as you need!

8. What do you hope to do in Athens after you finish competing?

Celebrate my medal

9. What are your goals post-Olympics?

Start coaching flatwater canoeing in Australia.

10. If you weren’t paddling for the Australian Flatwater team, what do you think you would be doing now?

Paddling for Bulgarian Canoe Team or doing some business.

Other Links
	View his Profile

Promotional display set up in Bergen Norway during the 2004 Marathon World Championships

AC Joins with Tourism WA in Promoting the Marathon World Champs

2004 Australian K2 Marathon Champions Bennett Maxwell and David Provan

Flag Hand Over Ceremony

Greg accepted the ICF flag from ICF Marathon Committee Chairman Mr. Jorn Cronberg before handing the flag to Jon Bisset who accepted the gesture on behalf of the Australian Canoeing Organising Committee.

Australian Canoeing has invited people worldwide to join us at the 2005 World Championship event in Perth next October. The event promises to be an exciting display of marathon competition with the best in the world competing on our doorstep in the beautiful city of Bayswater, Perth. It is the ideal location to stage the World Championship event so bring the family and be prepared for a world class spectacle.

Other Links
	Marathon Website

Day 2 Olympic Preview

Athletes compete in the men's K-1 class 1,000 metre heat on 23/08/2004

Canoeists in good start

The pair's third place in Heat 1 behind Sweden and New Zealand was enough to ensure them a place in Friday's final.

In the K1 1000, Nathan Baggaley's comfortable second place behind Eirik Larsen of Norway saw him qualify for Wednesday's semi-final, while also into the penultimate round are Chantal Meek, Amanda Rankin, Kate Barclay and Lisa Oldenhof in the K4 500 after their fourth place in the heat.

Collins, bidding to add gold to the K2 500 bronze and silver he won in Atlanta and Sydney respectively, said the pair's performance was 'a bit scratchy'.

Tuesday will see the Heats of the 500m races. First up will be Nathan Baggaley in the K1 500m, then Martin Marinov in the C1 500m, followed by Amanda Rankin in the LK1 500m, Nathan Baggaley and Clint Robinson in the K2 500m and finally Susan Tegg and Paula Harvey in the LK2 500m.

Australia occupies lane one as the athletes leave the starting line during the women's K-4 class 500 metre heat on 23/08/2004

Australian Crews progress at Olympic Games

Other Links
	Men's K1 1000m Results
	Women's K4 500m Results
	Men's K2 1000m Results

Louise Natoli - Finished a respectable 7th in the Women's K1.

Slalom Provides Feast in First Week of Games

148 nations watched the men’s K1 final unfold, and a total of 32 000 spectators watched the four days of slalom action live, often in a carnival atmosphere characterised by enthusiastic crowd involvement, despite the very hot conditions.

The final day’s action was watched live by IOC President Jacques Rogge, and many IOC members and national federation presidents attended the slalom events during the earlier part of the week.

'It has been an exceptional event, and we are pleased with the organisation', said International Canoe Federation President Ulrich Feldhoff. 'We have had large crowds in the compact stadium, as well as fantastic television footage that has been enjoyed worldwide', he added.

The television ratings for the slalom competition have been overwhelming. Greek television stations have ranked slalom as their top event of the first week of the Olympic Games, while the global viewership figures have placed the slalom racing in the top three of the Games overall, along with the first day of the swimming, and the athletics one hundred metres finals.

The International Canoe Federation has been engaged in an aggressive campaign to grow and develop the discipline of slalom racing, after some doubt was expressed about it’s place in future Olympiads. A bullish Feldhoff said after the conclusion of the event that slalom had been the star performer of the first week of the Athens Games.

'The sport is alive and well. We were very pleased with the enthusiastic atmosphere in the stadium, and it all bodes well or the future of this wonderful discipline', added Feldhoff.

For any further information, please contact:

Dave Macleod
ICF Media Officer
+30 699 8402368

Robin Bell - Finished 4th in the Men's C1 Final

Slalom team happy after a successful Athens assault

The team performed well above all expectations with 3 out of 4 of the Australian boats qualifying for the finals going on to compete with the best athletes in their class. 

The C2 pair Bellofiore and Milne where the only athletes to miss the final after narrowly missing their final gate and incurring a 50 second penalty. The pair were extremely disappointed after a classy run which would have seen them cruise through to the finals amongst the top 10. However, the team have improved dramatically on past slalom team achievements and secured some fantastic results in a sport strongly dominated by Northern Hemisphere athletes.

Our success in this discipline has stemmed largely from our first class training facilities at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. Draper confirmed this saying Australia's performances in the canoe/kayak slalom had been on the improve since the permanent whitewater venue in Penrith was built for the Sydney Games.

Our Slalom team results are below:

Robin Bell - 4th in the Men's C1 Final
Louise Natoli - 7th in the Women's K1 Final
Mark Bellofiore & Lachie Milne - 12th in the Men's C2 Semi-Final
Warwick Draper - 9th in the Men's K1 Final

Australia Vs Italy at World Canoe Polo Championships

2005 Australia Day Canoe Polo Competition

Mawson Lakes is the premier outdoor venue for canoe polo in South Australia. Douglas Mawson Lake is an artificial 'L shaped' lake. The water from the lake is pumped from an aquifer and may be supplemented with storm water. The lake is surrounded by parks and wide paved paths which provide access and an ideal spectator area.

Entries close at 5pm (CST) on Friday, 31 December 2004, so get your players together and send the entry form in. All entrries should be posted to: The Competition Secretary, 8 Barraga Grove, Modbury Heights, 5092 and must be accompanied by the entry fee. An Entry form can be dowloaded below or from the official website.

The divisions available for the competition include Open (Division 1 & 2) which has no restriction on age or gender Women's division, which has no restriction on age and Junior division, which includes male and female players under 18 on 01/01/2005.

To find out more, click on the bulletin 1 below.

Other Links
	Bulletin 1
	Official Website
	Entry Form

Nathan Baggaley who hopes to win Gold in Athens this week.

Olympic Flatwater Racing to begin Monday

Amanda Rankin to compete in K1 500m after AOC's appeal is upheld

Appeal Against IOC and ICF Upheld

2004 Athens Olympic C1 Gold Medallist - Frenchman Tony Estanguet

Slalom stars in Olympic first week

148 nations watched the men’s K1 final unfold, and a total of 32 000 spectators watched the four days of slalom action live, often in a carnival atmosphere characterised by enthusiastic crowd involvement, despite the very hot conditions.

The final day’s action was watched live by IOC President Jacques Rogge, and many IOC members and national federation presidents attended the slalom events during the earlier part of the week.

'It has been an exceptional event, and we are pleased with the organisation', said International Canoe Federation President Ulrich Feldhoff. 'We have had large crowds in the compact stadium, as well as fantastic television footage that has been enjoyed worldwide', he added.

The television ratings for the slalom competition have been overwhelming. Greek television stations have ranked slalom as their top event of the first week of the Olympic Games, while the global viewership figures have placed the slalom racing in the top three of the Games overall, along with the first day of the swimming, and the athletics one hundred metres finals.

The International Canoe Federation has been engaged in an aggressive campaign to grow and develop the discipline of slalom racing, after some doubt was expressed about it’s place in future Olympiads. A bullish Feldhoff said after the conclusion of the event that slalom had been the star performer of the first week of the Athens Games.

'The sport is alive and well. We were very pleased with the enthusiastic atmosphere in the stadium, and it all bodes well or the future of this wonderful discipline', added Feldhoff.

Slovakian C2 pair Pavol & Peter Hochschorner - Athens 2004 Olympics

Hochschorners romp to C2 gold

Warwick Draper in his heat of the K1 event - Athens Olympics 2004

France bag two medals in Olympic Mens K1

Warwick Draper in his heat of the K1 event - Athens Olympics 2004

Warwick Wraps Up Successful Games for Aussies in Canoe Slalom

However, today’s competition wasn’t an easy ride for the first-time Olympian. In the Semi-Final, an unfortunate gate touch at the top of the course cost Warwick valuable time. Believing it almost impossible to get through to the Final with his run, Warwick was sitting in the audience with his parents when he discovered that he'd scraped through in 10^th position.

'I raced really hard in the Semis but I was disappointed with the touch,' said Warwick after the race. 'I paddled as hard as I could have expected in the first run.  The second run was a little bit slower, but I met my goals in making it to the top ten.'

Warwick’s 9^th place, Robin Bell’s 4^th place in the C1 event and Louise Natoli’s 7^th place in the K1 Ladies event, makes Athens a memorable Games for the Australians. Reflecting on his Team’s efforts, Head Coach, Richard Fox, says 'We made it through to the Finals in three of the four classes which was a great effort.

'Our Team stood up to the challenge and this is the best performance we have seen from them. The athletes can walk away with their heads held high.”

“Today wraps up a great Olympics for our Canoe Slalom Team. They have made the most of their experience in Athens, and living in the Village has made them really feel a part of it. The AOC has done an excellent job and we've also had fantastic support from the AIS and State Institutes of Sport.'

Looking to the future post-Olympics, Richard adds “We are excited that next year, the World Championships will be taking place in Penrith, NSW. The athletes will be looking forward to showing what they can do on their home turf.”

The 2005 Canoe Slalom World Championship will be held in Penrith during September/October.

Today’s results:
K1 Men:                     Time        Position
Warwick Draper             197.43      9

*For full results, go to www.canoeicf.com

Outrigger Canoe's in action, Nth Qld

Pair teams up to win gold on the water

The outrigger competitors were part of Australia's victorious V6 1000m crew in the senior masters division at the 11th biennial event in Hilo, Hawaii.

After recent success in the Hamilton Island Cup, Creece said she was confident her side would be competitive, although to finish first was beyond her expectations.

'I guess the ultimate aim was a gold medal but we just wanted to compete as well as we possibly could as a team,' she said.

'Anything above that, and to even rate in the medal standings, is something phenomenal.'

Alongside teammates from Mackay, Port Douglas and Cairns, the crew progressed to the semi-finals after claiming victory in one of three heats.

The team qualified fourth fastest for the final and produced an outstanding race when it counted to beat eight crews and snare gold.

After the semi-final the crew had set its sights on bronze but, come finals time, the North Queenslanders were unbeatable.

'We thought if we really applied ourselves and got a good turn, we might get third,' Creece said.

'But we did the race and it was absolutely astounding, no one could catch us.'

Creece is a member of the Coral Sea Outriggers club and was a part of the Australian team to compete in the world sprint championships held in Townsville in 2000.

Roberts is a member of the Magnetic Island Outriggers Club.

C2 pair Mark Bellofiore & Lachie Milne - Athens 2004 Olympics

Canoe Slalom Day Three Update

Australians Mark Bellofiore and Lachlie Milne were well on course to securing a place in the semi-finals when they missed the final gate on their final heat, and the resultant fifty second penalty sent them tumbling out of the Games.

The men’s C2 competition was dominated by the hugely impressive Hochschorner twins from Bratislava. They completed back-to-back clear runs twelve seconds faster than the s second placed crew of Britons Stuart Bowman and Nicholas Smith.

The seasoned Czech Republic crew of Jaroslav Volf and Ondrej Stepanek picked up three touches, and finished third, but look to be regaining their form when it counts.

The Chinese crew of Fubin Chen and Qin Tian was eliminated from the semi-finals along with the Australian pair from the original field of twelve.

The men’s K1 field was trimmed from twenty five starters to twenty semi-finalists by the two heats, with Swiss athlete Kurt Michael topping the rankings, ahead of the three medal contenders Campbell Walsh of Great Britain, defending champion German Thomas Schmidt, and the French ace Fabien Lefevre.

Walsh in particular looks to be a real threat to the podium. He posted the fastest run of the day in his first heat, and had it not been for a hiccup on his second run, he would have topped the rankings easily.

The German team was left to rue the failure of Jens Ewald. The classy 21 year old paddler completely missed the same gate twenty that eliminated the Australian C2 crew, leaving him anchoring the bottom of the standings after the two heats, and out of the Games.

Benjamin Boukpeti from Togo remains on course, and if he can shave two or three seconds off his semi-final time, then he is on course to become the first African to make an Olympic slalom final.

The semi-final and finals will take place in front of a sell-out crowd at the Helleniko slalom complex on Friday.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

Men’s C2 - combined score after both heats

1.Hochschorner/Hochschorner SVK 210.04

2.Bowmna/Smith GBR 213.41

3.Volk/Stepanek CZE 214.35

4.Quemerais/LePennec FRA 215.33

5.Becker/Henze GER 215.56

6.Taylor/Jacobi USA 223.43

7.Pochwala/Sarna POL 226.65

8.Jiras/Mader CZE 228.99

9.Bahmann/Senft GER 230.59

10.Benetti/Masoero ITA 238.15

Did not make semi-finals

11.Chen/Tian CHN 248.66

12.Bellofiore/Milne AUS 278.36

Men’s K1 - combined score after both heats

1.Michael Kurt SUI 186.79

2.Campbell Walsh GBR 188.98

3.Thomas Schmidt GER 190.64

4.Fabien Lefevre FRA 190.80

5.Brett Heyl USA 192.29

6.Lazar Popovski MKD 193.06

7.Helmut Oblinger AUT 193.19

8.Benoit Peschier FRA  194.37

9.Ondrej Raab CZE 194.50

10.Jan Sajbidor SVK 194.89

11.Floris Braat NED 195.14

12.Grzegorz Polaczyk POL 195.46

13.Carles Juan Marti ESP 196.08

14.Scott Parsons USA 198.21

15.Bejamin Boukpeti TOG 198.92

16.David Ford CAN 199.87

17.Uros Kodelja SLO 200.23

18.Warwick Draper AUS 201.10

19.Pierpaulo Ferrazzi ITA 201.93

20.Sam Oud NED 202.68

Did not make semi-finals:

21.Eoin Rheinisch IRE 204.09

22.Dinko Mulic CRO 210.76

23. Emir Sarganovic BIH 216.30

24.Alexandros Dimitriou GRE 236.21

25.Jens Ewald GER 250.09

For any further information, please contact:

Dave Macleod

ICF Media Officer

+30 699 8402368

Nathan Baggaley with K2 500m partner Clint Robinson

Baggaley Gets a Tough Draw in the K1 1000m Heat

Baggaley will need to produce a very solid performance in his heats after drawing the in-form Norwegian paddler Eirik Veraas Larsen in his heat on Monday.

Veraas Larsen, New Zealander Ben Fouhy and Canadian Adam van Koeverden, will join Baggaley as the four main contenders for K1 1000m gold. The race is set to be a close one between Baggaley who’s the reigning K1 500m world champion, Fouhy the current K1 1000m World Champion and Veraas Larsen who had success over both the 500m & 1000m distances at the World Cups earlier this year.

The winners of Monday's heats will qualify directly for the nine-man final on Friday, leapfrogging Wednesday's semi-finals.  

Nathan will be hoping to snatch an early victory to spare him from the semi-finals and ensure he remains reasonably fresh for the finals.  Given he will have two other disciplines to contend in Athens (the K1 500m and the K2 500m) it will certainly be to Nathan’s advantage to race in fewer lead-up events and minimise any risk of fatigue.

* Start lists will be made available ASAP

Slovakian C2 pair Pavol & Peter Hochschorner - Athens 2004 Olympics

More British success on kayak slalom

'We were stronger than the others and in water like this you have to be strong because courses do not get much more difficult,' Peter Hochschorner said.

The defending Olympic champions put on a display of power and skill through a course described by competitors as 'unforgiving'.

Their closest rivals in the two-man event were Britons Stuart Bowman and Nichols Smith.

Scotsman Campbell Walsh, ranked second in the world, put up the fastest time in the men's single kayak in the first run and deliberately eased through the final gates of the second run in order to take some pressure off for the finals.

Walsh finished in second and said he had taken it easy at the end because he did not want to post the best time and then have the pressure of being the final competitor in the medal round on Friday.

'I will be up in the medals if I paddle with that kind of form,' Walsh said. Michael Kurt, of Switzerland posted the best time.

Warwick Draper

Triumph & Tribulation – A Mixed Day for the Aussie Olympic Canoe Slalom Athletes

In the K1 Men’s class, Warwick Draper was up against some fast times from the world’s top paddlers, but he got off to a steady start with a first run of 99.69, including one penalty touch. His second run of 101.41 pushed him down the field to 18^th position, but it was still good enough to qualify him for the Semi-Final, where he will be aiming to make it into the top 10 for the Final.

'It was tough work out there today,' said Warwick of the race. 'I was shaky off the start in the second run and had trouble finding my rhythm, but I held it together.  I got some funky water up the top and had a slight touch there.  Hopefully we'll do a little better tomorrow.'

Reflecting on Warwick’s performance, Head Coach, Richard Fox, says “Warwick did what he had to do.  He was a little nervous, and a bit slower on the second run, but he's made it through.  The K1 is a wide open field for the top 10, so now we're focussing on getting him into that group.'

In the C2 class, disaster came for Mark Bellofiore and Lachlan Milne right at the end of their second run. After putting in a promising first run, the crew were looking to slide into the top 10 going into the Semi-Final, when they missed the last gate and received a 50 second penalty.

Richard says of Mark and Lachlan’s result 'It was disappointing to miss out in the C2. The boys were on track to qualify and were looking good in both runs. However, the last gate caught them out and it was all over, but that's Slalom. There are so many factors that influence the final result – the athletes, water, wind, obstacles – anything can happen during the race.  

“Mark and Lachie have come a long way in the two years they have been C2 partners, and they had to fight hard to get here.  They've had some good results throughout the year and looked promising going into the Games, but unfortunately came to grief today.'

Athens has already been a successful Games for Australia in Canoe Slalom, with a number of athletes making waves in the Semi-Finals and Finals. 'With Robin’s 4^th and Louise’s 7^th, and Warwick in the  K1 Men’s Semi-Final, we have already improved on our Sydney Olympic Games performance. The athletes have certainly come a long way at these Games,” concluded Richard.   

The top 20 K1 Men and 10 C2 competitors go through to the Semi-Final. The Semi-Final consists of one race down the course. Out of the Semi-Final competitors, the top 10 K1 Men  and 6 C2 competitors will then go through to the Final and compete in a second race down the course. The final results will be the culmination of the times from the Semi-Final and Final races.

Today’s results:
K1 Men:                                           Time        Position
Warwick Draper                                 201.10      18

C2:                                                     Time        Position
Mark Bellofiore/Lachlan Milne             278.36     12

*For full results, go to www.canoeicf.com

Mark Bellofiore & Lachlan Milne at 2003 EnergyAustralia Canoe Slalom World Cup

Bellofiore and Milne miss Semi-Finals

Aussie C2 pair - Mark Bellofiore & Lachie Milne

Olympic Mens C2 Preview

'It’s tough to start as favourites', said Peter Hochschorner, the taller of the two twins, who sits in the back of the C2. 'We would prefer it if we did not have that extra pressure, but we are feeling confident', he added.

The 24 year old twin brothers from Bratislava have topped the World Cup rankings every year since their win in Sydney, and are quietly confident after a build-up year that has been injury and problem free.

They spent their winter in a typical heavy gym-based preparation phase, broken by a training camp in South Africa, and in the current season they have won World Cup events in Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic. However they failed at the season-opening event on the new Olympic course in Athens, and have been spending a lot of time getting used to the salt water course.

'The water is foamy, which means that the boat sits down lower in the water, and the boat is slower. It is also a high volume, fast, steep course with some quite big water, so it is important not to make any mistakes', said Pavol.

'It’s a tough course', said Peter. 'It requires more paddling to keep the boat moving fast. In particular the middle section, where the water is a little flatter, and the speed will count', he said.

The pair are excited about their specially made new Vadja canoe, and expect their toughest competition to come from the Czech Republic and German teams, when the C2 events get under way on Thursday morning. The partnership between the twins did not come about naturally. Peter followed his father’s footsteps as a C1 slalom paddler, while Pavol was first tempted to race C2 flatwater sprints, before teaming up with his brother in 1995, under their father’s coaching regime.

The Hochschorners appreciate the special bond they share as brothers as well as teammates. 'Sometimes it can be tough to understand your partner, but with my brother I don’t have that problem', said Peter.

They are clear that their success in this current Olympic cycle is down to hard work, particularly in the off-season, during which time they spend long hours doing strength training in the gym, as well as cross country skiing.

He is quick to point out that both are hard working, strong and committed athletes, and both have fiery tempers when things do not go their way.

'Their have been a few training sessions that ended suddenly, when things did not go so well!' said Peter cheekily.

2004 Athens Olympic Women's K1 Gold Medallist - Slovakian Elena Kaliska

Olympic Womens K1 Final

The 32 year old star from Zvolen erased the disappointment she experienced from finishing fourth at the Sydney Olympics, by winning the coveted gold medal in Athens.

'The valley of tears from Sydney has been turned to a valley of smiles', she said after her win in an event that she never looked like losing throughout the competition. Her conditioning, power and speed on the rough, heavy water of the Helleniko complex has set her apart from the other women, reflected in the massive five second margin between herself and second placed American Rebecca Giddens.

Kaliska went clear on both her semi-final and final runs, and could afford the luxury of focussing on her own race and not being distracted by the competition, or the massive crowd that packed into the new artificial slalom course. Her win comes on a day suitably named 'Elen' in the Slovak calendar, and rounds off a year in which she has been peerless, deposing Stepanka Hilgertova as the queen of women’s slalom.

Giddens was ecstatic at her silver medal, after having followed her husband Eric through the emotions of the 1996 Games. 'I just channelled all my nervousness to my family', she said afterwards. 

The gritty 26 year old Wisconson native, who is coached by her husband, is an experienced rough water kayaker, and committed to raising the standard of women’s slalom paddling.

Briton Helen Reeves won her nation’s first ever women’s paddling Olympic medal in surprising circumstances. She looked to have raced into fourth, just behind France’s Peggy Dickens. However, in circumstances very similar to the controversy that determined the men’s C1 gold medal, a two second penalty was added to her time, after the gate judge’s signal was not properly entered into the timekeeping system.

The result of the touch on gate two was devastating for Dickens. She was shattered after she was forced to withdraw from the French team for the Sydney Games, with an unusual blood disorder. She was expected to medal in Sydney as the top French woman, and both the other French women went on to win medals in the 2000 Games.

The late penalty shot 1996 Junior world champ Helen Reeves into the medals, by three hundredths of a second. Defending Olympic champion Stepanka Hilgertova battled gamely against the river, but was never able to match the pacesetters. She wrestled with the heavy water, and the new eagerness that has seized women’s slalom canoeing, and could only watch the younger and stronger paddlers battle for the medals.

Many of the other women that raced into the final, self-destructed under the intense pressure. Gabriella Stacherova flipped at gate 18, and the resultant fifty second penalty blew her out of contention. Jennifer Bongardt survived a scare at gate six, and a touch at seven, only to get trapped by the big hole at gate 17, to slip back into a distant eighth in the final.

The canoe and kayak slalom competition moves on to the Men’s C2 and K1 competitions on Thursday.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

1.Elena Kaliska SVK 210.03
2.Rebecca Giddens USA 214.62
3.Helen Reeves GBR 218.77
4.Peggy Dickens FRA 218.77
5.Stepanka Hilgertova CZE 220.75
6.Nagwa El Desouki SUI 225.04
7.Louise Natoli AUS 227.44
8.Maria Cristina Giaipron ITA 229.36
9.Jennifer Bongardt 237.66
10.Gabriela Stacherova SVK 27447

2004 Athens Olympic C1 Gold Medallist - Frenchman Tony Estanguet

Olympic Men's C1 final drama

What looked to be a Martikan victory was overturned by a late penalty, giving the gold to defending Olympic champion Estanguet.

Estanguet blasted to the top of the leaderboard after a very fast, clear run in the final, and his cumulative score from the semi-final and final left him more than two seconds clear of Germany's Stefan Pfanmoller, with just Michal Martikan to come.

Martikan scorched down the course, and with the scoreboard reflecting a clear round, he crossed the line to a massive ovation, apparently a second and a half faster than Estanguet.

However a two second penalty that had been awarded by the gate judge at gate number seven had not been corrected entered into the computer system in error, and once this oversight was corrected, Maritkan dropped back to second, and Estanguet retained his Olympic title.

As disappointment turned to celebration for Estanguet, a clearly gutted Martikan could do little else but nobly accept the silver medal. Pfannmoller, who p0osted

the fastest total time in the final, took the bronze medal for Germany.

'I did not think I had touched the gate', said an emotional Martikan. 'I would like to watch the video. But that’s sport, and I have to accept the decision of the umpires', he added.

The drama, which engaged the athletes and the massive crowd at the slalom facility in Helleniko, has added more mystique to the riveting duel that has been ongoing between   Martikan and Estanguet, since the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Martikan took gold on that occasion, only to finish runner up to Estanguet at the next two Olympic Games. The medal for Germany’s Pfannmoller completes his rise to international stardom.

As the youngest paddler in the field, he openly admits that he has a lot more to learn. 'I was paddling with Martikan and Estanguet, who are idols in the sport, and I realise that I have a long way to come up as well', said the likeable German.

In the final Australian paddler Robin Bell overturned his disappointing performance in the heats, with two solid runs, incurring just a solitary two second penalty, to give himself a chance at an Olympic medal. British paddler Stuart McIntosh was sidelined up a slow second run and a pair of two second penalties to finish behind Czech Tomas Indruch, Slovak Simeon Hocevar and Spainard Jordi Sangra

SUMMARY OF RESULTS:

1.Tony Estanguet FRA 189.16
2.Michal Martikan SVK 189.28
3.Stefan Pfannmoller GER 191.56
4.Robin Bell AUS 192.83
5.Tomas Indruch CZE 195.28
6.Simeon Hocevar SLO 199.78
7.Jordi Sangra ESP 200.41
8.Stuart McIntosh GBR 211

Louise Natoli - Women's K1 Athens 2004 Olympic Finalist

Slalom rule changes to accommodate wind

'While the weather forecast for the four days looks very favourable, we have approved a very detailed plan to deal with any eventualities, some of which are already in place', said Peter Horster, the chairperson of the ICF Slalom Committee.

Horster and his competition committee carefully monitored the effect of the wind on the gates, and using a calibrated anemometer, they have set specific wind speeds at which the movement of the gates is deemed to be a concern for fair competition.

Under these specific conditions, Horster and the competition organising committee have drafted specific responses to the prevailing wind speeds. Should actual wind speeds exceed eight metres per second, it will be deemed unfair conditions for fair competition, and the racing will be rescheduled.

The slalom course already includes revisions to the poles that make up the gates on the course. The poles have been shortened from the traditional two metre requirement, and have been carefully weighted to reduce the manner in which they will move under windy conditions.

'When the wind was blowing strongly on Monday, it was pleasing to see how well the new gates stood up under the strong wind', said Horster. 'We are using the Olympic Games’ advanced medium term weather forecasting facility, together with carefully monitoring of the conditions at the course, and we are well prepared for any eventuality', he added.

The forecast for the week of the slalom events is for good weather, and insignificant wind conditions.

Robin Bell - Torch Bearer 2004

One Second Between Bell and Bronze

In the C1 class, Robin had his best race of the year. In the Semi-Final, even with a two second penalty for touching a gate, Robin sat in 4^th position, just .49 seconds from 3^rd. He followed this up with a fast, penalty-free second run in the Final, which set him up for a good chance of a medal.

However, the three athletes to follow Robin were going even faster. The medal favourites - 2000 Olympic Champion, Tony Estanguet of France, 1996 Olympic Champion, Michal Martikan of Slovakia and multi-World Cup medallist, Stefan Pfannmoeller of Germany were pulling out all the stops and came away with Gold, Silver and Bronze.

'It’s always going to be hard finishing fourth,” said Robin after his race. 'But I put the challenge out there to the other guys with a really good run and, unfortunately for me, they rose to the challenge.'

Head Coach, Richard Fox praised Robin for his effort at taking on the top paddlers, saying 'Rob took the race to the other guys and you have to applaud him.  All you can ask for is to put in your best and Rob certainly did this.  He set a really high standard and paddled as well as he could.'

In the K1 Ladies class, Louise Natoli, whose previous best international performance was 12^th  place at the World Cup in Athens earlier in the year, was up against the toughest female competitors in the world. In the Semi-Final, Louise rose to the occasion and just made the Final in 10^th position. She then put together a very impressive run, maintaining her focus whilst some of the medal favourites struggled. Louise improved on her Semi-Final position to finish the Final in 7^th  – a great achievement for the first-time Olympian.

Richard says of Louise’s Olympic Final performance 'This is Louise's best result ever. Making the Final was her goal, then to put in two clean runs was great.  There's a lot more to come from Louise.

'Today's performances have been a great inspiration for the other guys starting out tomorrow.  They need to take it one day at a time and stick to the solid race plan that they have set for themselves. 

“In the C2 class, there are 12 very good competitors and there's also some very strong competition in the K1 Men’s class. But, I'm sure our guys will be inspired by their team-mates who performed so well today,' Richard concluded.

Competition tomorrow starts at 10am with Warwick Draper in the K1 Men’s class, and Mark Bellofiore and Lachlan Milne in the C2 Men’s class.

Today’s results:
C1 Men:        Time        Position
Robin Bell        192.83    4

K1 Ladies:      Time        Position
Louise Natoli      227.44     7

*For full results go to www.canoeicf.com

Bell's toll ... coaches claim Robin Bell will battle the greatest course ever in Athens

Canoeing riding the crest of a wave at Olympics

Demand for tickets and television coverage of the slalom events at the spectacular new facility has been unprecedented, with virtually all the tickets for the four days of the slalom events sold out, and 148 nations committed to screening the men’s K1 finals on Friday.

That places the event in the three most watched television events at the Athens Olympics, alongside the first day of swimming finals, and the athletics 100m finals.

'The new slalom course at Helleniko is clearly the best in the world', said ICF President Ulrich Feldhoff. 'It will offer a visual feast for the spectators as well as the massive television audience. It has set a new standard, not only for the demands that it places on the athletes, but also for it’s design and the way that it harnesses all the natural elements', he added.

The revolutionary course, which is the only of it’s kind that uses salt-water, and employs a unique figure-eight configuration, has used grass and wood extensively in the construction of the grandstand bowl that will offer spectators a view of the entire competition course.

'We re very grateful for the co-operation we have enjoyed with the Hellenic Canoe Federation and the Greek Olympic Committee, which has led to the creation of this magnificent slalom facility. It will play a very important part in the ongoing growth of our sport around the world', said Feldhoff.

The International Canoe Federation is the biggest watersport federation in the world, with 120 member nations, and a further six applying for affiliation at it’s Congress in Stockholm in October.

Bell - Narrowly missing a medal in the C1 Final

Bell Narrowly Misses Medal in C1

After a horror run in the heats which saw Robin roll his canoe and finish 11.24 seconds behind the leaders with a time of 212.68 Bell finished in 12th position managing to sneak through to the semi-finals on Day 5. After re-composing himself, Bell put down a 97.48 second first run, which included a 2 second penalty, in the final placing him fourth heading into the final runs.

He consolidated on that with a clean, solid run to finish in a time of 192.83 seconds. His time left him in fourth place, only just missing the chance to collect his first Olympic medal.

Sydney 2000 goold medalist, Frenchman Tony Estanguet was unstoppable, taking out gold with a time of 189.16 ahead of 2003 World Champion and Sydney silver medalist, Slovakian Michal Martikan and German Stefan Pfannmoeller picked up the bronze.

In the women’s K1 Olympic first-timer Louise Natoli performed well above expectations cruising through her heats on Day 4 to finish 8th of the 12 paddlers that went through to the semi-final. A slower semi-final run saw her back in 10th position, only just making the cut for the final, however her final run remained penalty-free and placed Louise back up the ranks in a respectable seventh overall with a time of 227.44. Natoli will be absolutely ecstatic with her performance which may well have exceeded even her own expectations.

The Slovakian’s picked up a gold to add to their men's silver with Elena Kaliska the convincing winner in the women’s final commenting 'It wasn't difficult for me to win the race. I was very well prepared.' Rebecca Giddens of the USA picked up the silver and Helen Reeves of Great Britan picked up the bronze.

Louise Natoli at 2003 EnergyAustralia Canoe Slalom World Cup

Olympic Slalom Day One

The two heats in the men’s C1 and women’s K1 competitions were completed in front of grandstands packed with enthusiastic fans that watched as technical errors nearly robbed the semi-finals of some big names.

Australian C1 ace Robin Bell and British paddler Stuart McIntosh were both tripped up by the testing course, and lost crucial seconds as they had to Eskimo roll their canoes. Bell squeaked into the semi-final lineup by securing the last place available from the days heats.

In the Men’s C1 competition Sydney 2000 champ Michal Martikan of Slovakia produced the day’s fastest clear run to finish to of the standings after the two heats, one tenth of a second ahead of defending champion Tony Estanguet of France.

Estanguet, like many paddlers, battled with the very difficult lower section through gates 17 to 19. 'There I made two serious mistakes. The course is very hard, especially at those two gates that I really found tough to pass. Tomorrow I will be sharper, and concentrate more, because the game will even more difficult for the finals', said Estanguet.

The day’s big surprise came in the form of Polish paddler Mariusz Wieczorek, who turned in two clear runs to finish third. The 28 year old from Opoczno in Poland has been a stalwart of the Polish C1 team. He as closely followed by Austrian Thomas Indruch, who started with a seeding of fourteenth, but proved to be one of the early pace setters.

A frustrated Stuart McIntosh was left to rue the mistake that forced him to eskimo roll in the lower section, after an impressive first run. 'I am not at all happy with my peformance', said McIntosh, even though he prodiced two clear runs. 'The fifth place doesn’t interest me. Tomorrow I will be going out for something better.'

German ace Stefan Pfannmoller battled in the tricky course setup, and returned two touches on each of his heats, adding eight seconds to his cumulative time. He posted the fastest time overall on his second run, but the costly errors left him languishing in seventh.

Robin Bell of Australia came tantalisingly close to not making the semi-final cut, after an almost identical mishap to the one that dumped McIntosh, and only a sharp Eskimo roll kept his Olympic dreams alive.

The women’s K1 heats saw three athletes performing at a level above the other sixteen women. Elena Kaliska of the Czech Republic and Germany’s star Jennifer Bongardt traded places at the top of the leaderboard throughout, with Bongardt

finishing at the top, thanks to a slow second run from the plucky Kaliska, who was caught by two holes on the course. Briton Helen Reeves showed a lot of courage as she attacked the difficult course, and as rewarded with two clear and quick heats, and third place going into the semi-finals.

A cheerful Kaliska said after her heats 'If tomorrow goes as well as today, then I will get a mdal, and I hope it will be the gold!'

However the failure of Stepanka Hilgertova to pose a stronger challenge surprised many experts. The Czech ace has been off form for much of the past year, and once again looked below the form that won her the gold medals in Atlanta and Sydney.

Hilgertova wrestled with the big water, particularly on her first run, and despite posting clear runs on both heats, she was a massive twenty six seconds off the pace after her two heats.

'So much has changed in the last four years', mused Hilgertova afterwards. 'The rules have changed and things are getting difficult. My goal is to win a medal, but now there are almost eight women out there that can win a medal tomorrow.'

American Rebecca Giddins excelled to finish in the top five, ahead of established performers such as Violetta Oblinger Peters and Mandy Planert, while Ireland Eadaoin Ni Calloran secured the last place oin Wednesday’s semi-finals.

SUMMARY OF RESULTS

Robin Bell during his heats on Day 4 - Athens 2004 Olympics

Aussies through to Semi-Finals of Olympic Canoe Slalom Competition

In the C1 class, Robin Bell eased his way through his first run, finishing penalty-free in 4th position with a time of 100.11. His second run was to prove more difficult when he hit a gate and briefly rolled coming into the last turn, losing valuable time and speed. However, Robin overcame these errors with experience and skill to finish the day in 12th position with a total time of 212.68, just on the cut-off for tomorrow’s Semi-Final.

'Today was all about conserving energy for tomorrow,” reflected Robin Bell after his race. 'I took the first run fairly steadily and I was pleased with it.  I was a bit put off at the start of the second run, and didn't quite find my rhythm. However, tomorrow is another day and the scoring starts afresh.”

Australia’s K1 Ladies competitor, Louise Natoli, put on a good show today to make it well inside the top 15 Ladies going through to the Semi-Final. A few nerves during Louise’s first run caused her to hit a gate, but she soon settled into the groove and got through it in reasonable shape. On her second run, Louise sliced her way through the pounding salt-water waves to finish the day in 8^th position, with a time of 227.21

Head Coach, Richard Fox, says both Australian athletes put in strong performances today. 'Robin demonstrated he knows the course well and is comfortable with anything it throws at him, whilst Louise was controlled, especially on her second run. They know the areas for improvement, but I am pleased with what they did on their first day. 

“A lot of athletes in the competition are paddling really well, so chances are there will be a few upsets tomorrow, and we're hoping it will be us doing the upsetting!' Richard concluded.

The top 12 C1 Men and 15 K1 Ladies competitors go through to the Semi-Final. The Semi-Final consists of one race down the course. Out of the Semi-Final competitors, the top 8 C1s and top 10 Ladies will then go through to the Final and compete in a second race down the course. The final results will be the culmination of the times from the Semi-Final and Final races.

Today’s results:
C1 Men:        Time        Position
Robin Bell       212.68     12

K1 Ladies:      Time        Position
Louise Natoli     227.21     8

Full results can be found on the ICF website: www.canoeicf.com

Medal Standings - Athens 2004

NOC	Men				Women				Total				Rank by Total
				Total				Total				Total
SVK	1	1		2	1			1	2	1		3	=1
FRA	2		1	3					2		1	3	=1
GBR		1		1			1	1		1	1	2	=3
GER		1	1	2						1	1	2	=3
USA						1		1		1		1	=5
CZE			1	1							1	1	=5
	3	3	3	9	1	1	1	3	4	4	4	12

Marathon paddlers in action

Perth World Cup 2004 Event Cancelled

After a lengthy meeting with the International Canoe Federation Marathon Committee at the recent Canoe Marathon World Championships in Bergen – Norway and after due consideration to the negative effects that a low participant World Cup event may have on the sport. The International Canoe Federation Marathon Committee has ratified the Australian Canoeing decision to cancel the Perth World Cup event.

Planning for the 2005 International Canoe Federation Marathon World Championships is now well under way and Australian Canoeing looks forward to welcoming the Marathon Canoeing family to the 2005 World Championships and Masters World Cup in October 2005.

Please continue to watch this website for the latest news on the 2005 Marathon Canoe World Championships and Masters World Cup events.

German K1 Star - Thomas Schmidt in action

Olympic Slalom Preview

The cheerful 28 year old German blazed a popular trail to the gold medal in Sydney, but since then has not reproduced the same sort of form.

But he is confident that he will deliver, when it really counts. After failing at the world championships on his 'home' course at Augsburg in 2003, he also came unstuck in the final of the crucial test event World Cup on the new Olympic salt-water course in Athens, and finished well off the podium pace.

Since then he has patched together results, including a third in Merano, and a win in the Augsburg World Cup that was enough to secure the overall top spot in the World Cup standings. But he is quick to point out that the mix of results in the past season suggests that the race for the gold medal is wide open.

'The pressure is on Fabien Lefevre for sure, because he has won the last two years. And that takes some of the pressure off me, which can’t be bad!', he said.

'My form has definitely improved over the season', said Schmidt. 'I had problems in the World Cup in Athens in the final. From there I went one step forward each time.'

The wiry man from Bad Kreuznach says that the lower section of the course will decide the medal candidates. 'The split times will be very close in the top and middle sections of the course, but I believe the bottom section will be crucial', said Schmidt.

He is also confident that his extra work in the gym will pay off, as the big water places more demands of strength and power to keep the boatspeed up. 'I did a lot of gymwork this winter, so I hope that will help', he said.

Schmidt exudes all the attributes of a big-match performer. He is easily perceived as frivolous, but beneath that boyish exterior lies a very determined athlete.

Overview of the Olympic Slalom Course at the Helliniko Complex in Athens 2004

Slalom Course Ready for Action this week

The impressive new artificial slalom course that has been built on the old airport site, has received unanimous praise from the athletes, particularly after race officials moved to iron out the inconsistencies that emerged at the pre-Olympic test event in April.

The two massive drops on the course have been moderated, by adjusting the movabvle plastic Omniflots that form the eddies and waves on the course.

This has lessened the severity of the rough water in the big drops, and has made the water more consistent at these critical spots.

Some of the lighter athletes battled with the big water on the course at the test event, where the big drops produced very choppy water that was prone to surges and inconsistent waves. However the changes to the course have been unanimously welcomed. International Canoe Federation slalom officials have also taken the unusual step of modifying the poles that make up the gates on the slalom course. The poles have been shortened, and carefully weighted to combat the effects of the wind that is prone to blowing across the course, affecting the elevated section of the course in particular.

The unique Slalom course, built at a cost on $26 million, is the best of it's kind in the world. The novel figure eight shape sees the wild water course pass underneath itself, before diverting from the demanding championships course, into a easier training course and warm up lake, as well as a specialised drop designed for freestyle and rodeo paddling.

The salt water used on the course also makes it unique. Six massive pumps lift the water at 28 cubic metres per second to the top of the channel, where it hurtles down the concrete canal and is deflected and diverted by the movable plastic obstacles that create the eddies and waves that will test the athletes.

As the only salt water course of it's kind in the world, it has also generated a lot of discussion. The water aerates more that fresh water, creating a striking white effect on the course. With nineteen television cameras covering the action on the course, which can be viewed from start to finish from the 8000 seater stand, the slalom competition promises to provide thrilling entertainment for both spectators as well as television viewers worldwide.

The salt water also makes the water in the turbulent areas lighter, resulting in the craft sitting lower in the water, and being more prone to the waves on the course.

The effect of the salt water on the athletes' eyes is also a discussion point. Many have refined their techniques to ensure they don't get water in their eyes at the big drops. The venue now features fresh water sprays at several key points alongside the channel to allow the paddler's to clear their eyes.

Peter Horster, the chairman of the ICF Slalom Committee has an important view on the pioneering use of sea water on the course. 'So many courses have the basic problem of not having access to water. But now that we have successfully used sea water, we can establish new courses at just about any coastal venue', he pointed out.

Clint Robinson Collects Gold in Barcelona 1992

Collins & Robinson Join Fellow Australian Stalwarts

Seasoned professionals Collins and Robinson, who will both be competing at their fourth Olympics, joined fellow experienced athletes including basketball captain Shane Heal, archer Simon Fairweather, tennis players Mark Philippoussis and Todd Woodbridge, judoka Maria Pekli and flag bearer Colin Beashel.

Collins and Robinson now have a long and anxious wait as they prepare for Flatwater competition which does not get underway until Day 10. The pair will lead the Australian Flatwater team and draw from the experience of eight Olympic competitions between them in hopefully steering the team to success in Athens.

Watch this space for all the latest Olympic updates throughout the Games.

Other Links
	Olympic News

Current Standard Paddle

High-tech bid to quench athletes' thirst

With Athens predicted to be the hottest Olympics, the Victorian Institute of Sport has devised new hydration strategies, including a more effective sports drink.

Troy Flanagan, institute sport science co-ordinator, said his team had been working closely with shooting competitors who may spend hours in 40-degree heat and high winds and wear leather suits to minimise movement.

'They are certainly affected to the same extent as runners,' he said.

With events that span several days, Victorian shooters such as gold medal hopefuls Adam Vella and Lauryn Mark could become progressively more dehydrated over the course of the Games.

'It's been our mission over the last 18 months to come up with a new drink formulation so that they can rehydrate overnight and be fully hydrated the next day,' said Mr Flanagan.

The institute used jet heaters to turn an indoor hall into a massive heat chamber.

'We got a group of soccer players to simulate a soccer match and dehydrated them down to a certain level,' said Mr Flanagan. 'Then we put in four different drinks: plain water, conventional sports drinks, electrolyte drinks and a new formulation that's high in electrolytes and carbohydrates.'

The researchers found that plain water was 'almost useless' in rehydration.

'If you lose a lot of electrolytes . . . the blood contents of sodium drops down. If you dilute that any further with plain water it can have serious health effects,' Mr Flanagan said. 'So, it's an inbuilt defence mechanism to pass any pure water straight through until the electrolytes are replaced.'

While commercial sports drinks were easily absorbed during competition, the researchers found that drinks high in electrolytes and carbohydrates were more effective after the game.

Australian Olympic shooters, rowers, swimmers and hockey players are using the formulation, which has also proved useful after air travel.

Institute scientist Nick Sanders is travelling with the athletes and using new techniques to check hydration needs.

By measuring the specific gravity of the athletes' urine using a refractometer, he can tell how many millilitres they need to drink to reach optimum levels.

The measurements form part of a computer-based health-monitoring system that can provide early indications of illness or peak performance periods.

'This program detects very subtle changes in an athlete's general health - far more accurately than coaches, doctors or even the athletes can,' he said.

The institute was also working on technology to boost our medal chances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 'We've designed a new kayak paddle, that's our winged keel for Beijing,' he said. 'We're also developing a new system that goes on the foot and tracks where the athlete goes and also analyses their running technique.'

Splash deck ... Louise Natoli tests the tough course in Athens ahead of her competition

Olympic Canoe Slalom Countdown – One Day to Go

The Australian Canoe Slalom athletes – Robin Bell (C1), Louise Natoli (Ladies K1), Warwick Draper (Men’s K1), Mark Bellofiore (C2) and Lachlan Milne (C2), completed their training on the Olympic whitewater river today with a light session, in final preparation for their races.

Head Coach, Richard Fox, says “It was a good last session for all of the athletes, everyone looks sharp, confident and ready to race. Now it is all down to staying relaxed and maintaining the belief and confidence we need to succeed.'

Demonstration runs on the river by non-competition paddlers will take place tomorrow, so that athletes can see how the qualification and finals courses will be set. 

'Once the courses have been set and the demonstration runs completed, it will be business as usual,” Richard continued.

“Everyone knows their job and I am happy with the final period of preparation. There has been a terrific atmosphere within our group and throughout the whole Australian Team. In fact, things could not be better.

“Staying in the village has been a great experience, and our athletes have really soaked it up. The Team Reception on Wednesday, the Opening Ceremony on Friday and last night's Swimming Finals were inspirational and have set the scene for Australians to perform across all sports.

“We still have today and tomorrow to recover and relax before Robin and Louise take the Aussie colours down the course on Tuesday,” Richard concluded.

At the official Team Leaders’ meeting tonight, the Team will get detailed start times and the course plan. Tomorrow, the athletes and coaches will watch the demonstration runs, which begin at 10 am.

Competition Dates and Australian Athletes:

• Tuesday 17^th August – C1 and K1 Ladies Qualification, which includes Robin Bell and Louise Natoli.
• Wednesday 18^th August – C1 and K1 Ladies Semi-Final and Final.
• Thursday 19^th August – K1 Men and C2 Qualification, which includes Warwick Draper, and Mark Bellofiore and Lachlan Milne.
• Friday 20^th August – K1 Men and C2 Semi-Final and Final.

Media Contact for Olympic period:

Megan McKay
email: megan.mckay@gettyimages.com
Australian mobile: +61 412 165 543
Greek Mobile: +30 697 99 88 931

Photograph of the Olympic slalom course

Slalom Course ready for Olympic action

The impressive new artificial slalom course that has been built on the old airport site, has received unanimous praise from the athletes, particularly after race officials moved to iron out the inconsistencies that emerged at the pre-Olympic test event in April.

The two massive drops on the course have been moderated, by adjusting the movabvle plastic Omniflots that form the eddies and waves on the course. This has lessened the severity of the rough water in the big drops, and has made the water more consistent at these critical spots.

Some of the lighter athletes battled with the big water on the course at the test event, where the big drops produced very choppy water that was prone to surges and inconsistent waves. However the changes to the course have been unanimously welcomed.

International Canoe Federation slalom officials have also taken the unusual step of modifying the poles that make up the gates on the slalom course. The poles have been shortened, and carefully weighted to combat the effects of the wind that is prone to blowing across the course, affecting the elevated section of the course in particular.

The unique Slalom course, built at a cost on $26 million, is the best of it’s kind in the world. The novel figure eight shape sees the wild water course pass underneath itself, before diverting from the demanding championships course, into a easier training course and warm up lake, as well as a specialised drop designed for freestyle and rodeo paddling.

The salt water used on the course also makes it unique. Six massive pumps lift the water at 28 cubic metres per second to the top of the channel, where it hurtles down the concrete canal and is deflected and diverted by the movable plastic obstacles that create the eddies and waves that will test the athletes.

As the only salt water course of it’s kind in the world, it has also generated a lot of discussion. The water aerates more that fresh water, creating a striking white effect on the course. With nineteen television cameras covering the action on the course, which can be viewed from start to finish from the 8000 seater stand, the slalom competition promises to provide thrilling entertainment for both spectators as well as television viewers worldwide.

The salt water also makes the water in the turbulent areas lighter, resulting in the craft sitting lower in the water, and being more prone to the waves on the course.

The effect of the salt water on the athletes’ eyes is also a discussion point.

Many have refined their techniques to ensure they don’t get water in their eyes at the big drops. The venue now features fresh water sprays at several key points alongside the channel to allow the paddler’s to clear their eyes.

Peter Horster, the chairman of the ICF Slalom Committee has an important view on the pioneering use of sea water on the course. 'So many courses have the basic problem of not having access to water. But now that we have successfully used sea water, we can establish new courses at just about any coastal venue', he pointed out.

Robin Bell - Torch Bearer 2004

Olympic Games Open

Nathan Baggaley and Clint Robinson stand in the shadow of ancient Athens

Australians Welcomed to Village

Digicams in hand, many of the 480-strong contingent chose to capture the moment, while others sheltered from the sun in outfits that one uncharitable Argentinian observer described as 'old-fashioned outfits for an English afternoon tea'.

Hockeyroo Peta Gallagher said she was thrilled to be in Athens but devastated about the broken foot that destroyed the Olympic dream of her close friend and fellow Canberran, Sarah Taylor.

'It was my worst moment in hockey, for sure,' Gallagher said.

Another likely medallist, NSW kayaker Nathan Baggaley, was upbeat about the welcoming bash.

'Events like this really build the atmosphere. I don't consider them a distraction at all,' he said.

'I had the choice of staying in the village or staying outside but I chose the village. I love being here, it's great.'

Baggaley will contest two solo events, the flat water K1 500m and K1 1000m, as well as the flat water K2 500m with his nemesis, the former Olympic gold- medallist Clint Robinson.

Baggaley and Robinson are the MacGill and Warne of the water. Like Australian cricket's two topline spinners, they have almost nothing in common - and no time for each other away from the sporting arena. But put them together in competition and the results are often dynamite.

'The boats are going really well the closer we get to racing, and Clint and I have had no clashes,' Baggaley said. 'So far, so good.'

One nation that has had its fair share of clashes away from the sporting arena is Iraq. The Iraqis have sent a delegation of 55 to Athens, including 31 athletes, all of whom were transported from their war- torn home to Amman, Jordan, by the Royal Australian Air Force.

'We really appreciate the help of the Australians,' president off the National Olympic Committee of Iraq Ahmed Al Samarrai said. As Mr Al Samarrai strolled through the Olympic Village in a T-shirt with 'IRAQ' emblazoned on the back, he received cheers and thumbs-up from countless passers-by.

'It means a lot,' he said. 'This happens everywhere we go. Even some Americans give us the thumbs-up. But some turn away.'

As far as medals go, Mr Al Samarrai holds most hope for his nation's weightlifters.

The soccer team is also considered an outside chance of success.

'In sport you never know, if you pass the first hurdle,' he said.

As the Australians boarded buses for the reception at which six-time Olympic sailor Colin Beashel was named flag- bearer, a host of sporting luminaries hung in the background.

At the evening function, AOC boss John Coates said a wonderful new chapter in Australia's Olympic history was about to begin.

'This Australian team, the largest we have ever sent away and the second largest of all of the teams at the Games, represents a fascinating mix,' he said. 'Already this team has given us great reasons for pride. With the exception of handball, Australia has qualified for every sport on the Olympic program.'

At a separate press conference on Thursday, Mr Coates repeated the AOC's stated mission to finish among the top five nations on the medal tally.

He also said that more than 200 members of the Australian team would not march in the opening ceremony, including the entire swim team, whose competition starts the next day. Their places will be taken by officials.

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	Find out all about our Olympic athletes

Australian C2 approach gate at 2003 EnergyAustralia Canoe Slalom World Cup

Slalom Newsletter Out Now

The Games are upon us. Our athletes have arrived in Athens excited and full of anticipation of the tasks ahead of them.

On arrival, the Team were transferred to the Olympic village where they were met by Australian Olympic Committee staff.

Follow the link to view the August edition of the Slalom Olympic Newsletter.

Bell's toll ... coaches claim Robin Bell will battle the greatest course ever in Athens

Up the Creek Without a Paddle

Unable to get a straight answer on the location of his paddles from the airlines, Bell was able to borrow some paddles for training from the Czech team whilst ordering in some new paddles.  However in this comedy of errors, when the new equipment arrived the paddles were the wrong shape! Robin's paddles have since been located and were due to arrive in Athens yesterday. 

The good news is that Bell isn't too concerned. 'I've been training with these new paddles, so if worst comes to worst I'll be ok to use them' said Bell today.

Otherwise Bell has settled into the Olympic lifestyle well. Along with his other canoe/kayak team mates, Bell is very impressed with the Olympic village.  “Life in the village is really good.  The food’s great and the facilities are excellent.  There are a few final touches to be finished – they’re still rolling out the grass, but all in all it’s fantastic.”

Similarly the team are also very happy with their competition venue.  The course is larger than the Sydney 2000 course and with its’ tighter turns it’s sure to host some excellent action over the coming week. 

Other Links
	Bell's Profile
	Checkout the Slalom Newsletter

Daniel Collins at the Gent Regatta, Belgium 2004

Dan Collins - Good Enough for Gold

After taking up the sport at 18 years of age, kayaking has consumed more than half his life and in his illustrious career Dan has managed a string of notable achievements including his K2 500m silver and bronze medals at the Sydney and Atlanta Games respectively. Add to that a gold from this years World Cup regatta in the K2 1000m, gold and silver at the 2003 World Cup and gold at the 1997 World Championships in the K2 500m.

All that has eluded him is Olympic Gold and Dan is back for some unfinished business as he makes his fourth Olympic appearance in Athens. Dan will join partner David Rhodes in their assault on the K2 1000m event in which they are a strong chance to win that previously intangible gold.

The guys will be in action on Day 10 - Monday 23rd August at 9:40am (Athens time) at the Schinias Olympic Rowing & Canoeing Centre.

Other Links
	Dan's Profile
	K2 1000m Olympic Schedule

Martin Marinov training on the Gold Coast in preparation for Athens

Bizarre defections of athletes spark new debate on allegiance

In Athens, she will be competing as a Sudanese, an extraordinary leap of allegiance, which breaks no rules but demonstrates the shortcomings of the system. 

Nationality in sport, once clear-cut, has become seriously muddied following the break-up of the Soviet bloc and the increasing transfer of talent from poor to rich countries. 

Weightlifters born in Albania and the Soviet Union will represent Greece at the Athens Olympics while some of Kenya's top middle-distance talent will wear the colours of Qatar. Australia's canoeing team features a former Mr Bulgaria. 

Perhaps most bizarre of all is the case of Merlene Ottey, who won a clutch of Olympic medals for Jamaica at six Games. In Athens, she will race in the colours of Slovenia. 

Aldama last represented Cuba at the 2000 Olympics and her native country sticks rigidly to the International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) rules, which say three years must pass before an athlete can compete under another flag. 

Once the three years were up, Aldama had to find another country. She has lived in Britain since 2001 with her child and has a British husband, who is serving a 15-year jail sentence for supplying heroin. 

However, Britain takes a hard line on residency and Aldama feared she would not be eligible in time for Athens. 

Media reports said that she put out feelers to Italy and the Czech Republic but eventually Aldama picked Sudan, a nation with little Olympic heritage and a swift citizenship process. Aldama appears to have no connection with the African country. 

Clutching her Sudanese passport, she contacted the IAAF early this year and it gave her the green light to compete. 

Ottey, now 44, was luckier. She last raced for Jamaica at the Sydney Games where she won a relay silver and she has been living in Slovenia since 1998. 

She was granted Slovenian citizenship in May 2002 and Jamaica allowed her to compete for her new nation immediately. 

The Aldama case adds a novel element to the nationality issue: she has chosen to move to a developing country so she can compete whereas most cases involve athletes moving to improve their personal or financial situation. 

The collapse in the early 1990s of the Soviet bloc, which had placed great emphasis on sporting achievement, led to an exodus of top athletes and coaches desperate to further their careers in countries where ample funding was still available. 

Greece naturalised Albanian Pyrros Dimas in 1992 and he went on to win three Olympic weightlifting golds. Canoeist Martin Marinov (pictured above left) won bronzes for Bulgaria in 1988 and 1992, and after winning the Mr Bulgaria title in 1993 he moved to Australia. 

Communist states such as Cuba and China, where sporting achievement is a symbol of national pride, have traditionally taken a hard line on departing athletes. 

Gao Jun, a table tennis silver medallist at the 1992 Barcelona Games, subsequently married an American and left China for the United States. 

At the time the sport had a five-year no-competition rule for those switching countries and China stuck to it. However, Gao Jun came back to play for the US in the 2000 Games. 

Cuba's former Olympic champion Alberto Juantorena has described the movement of talent from his Communist homeland to richer countries as sporting prostitution. 

Before the 2000 Games, the Caribbean island prevented then long jump world champion Niurka Montalvo from representing Spain even though she had lived in Spain for nearly three years. 

As long as regulations were obeyed, international officials had few problems with the nationality changes. 

They point to the Olympic Charter, which reads: “The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport in accordance with his or her needs.”

But the recent entry of oil-rich countries such as Bahrain and Qatar into the equation has caused widespread disquiet. 

Kenyan Stephen Cherono, running under the name of Saif Saaeed Shaheen, won the 3,000m steeplechase gold for Qatar at the 2003 World Championships. More than 10 Kenyans represented different nations at the Paris event. 

Their change of allegiance, triggered by the offer of large salaries, was possible only because of a clause in the IAAF's rules that allows the three-year interval to be reduced to one if both countries agree. 

The defections were criticised by International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge. 

“What we don't like is athletes being lured by large incentives by other countries ... giving them a passport when they arrive at the airport,” Rogge said. “From a moral point of view we should avoid this transfer market in athletes.” 

In Athens, the complexity of the problem will be further demonstrated by the Greek baseball team at their “home” Games. 

The squad have only one Greek-born player. The vast majority are north American-based players most of whom have never visited the country and qualified only through having Greek grandparents or great-grandparents.

Would your club like a head start in building their web site?

Brisbane Canoeing Inc presents a one-day Canoe Club Web Site Workshop. On completion of the workshop each club will have a functioning web site.

Brisbane Canoeing Inc’s web site at http://www.brisbane.canoe.org.au provides an example of a club web site built under this system.

During the workshop, you will get to build the web site with assistance and instant feedback from others.

In the workshop the club's web site will be set up (by club members) with at least a news item, some information pages and a menu system. The newsletter tool will also be explored and set up. By the conclusion of the workshop the club's web site will be established and operational. Participants will also gain the necessary skills to further build the site and develop a plan for its maintenance.

For more information, contact Jonathan Clark on 0402 393 459 OR 3878 7165 OR email jclark@eq.edu.au or click on the flyer below

Other Links
	Workshop Flyer

Would your club like a head start in building their web site?

Brisbane Canoeing Inc will be presenting a one-day Canoe Club Web Site Workshop. On completion of the workshop each club will have a functioning web site.

Brisbane Canoeing Inc’s web site at http://www.brisbane.canoe.org.au provides an example of a club web site built under this system.

During the workshop, you will get to build the web site with assistance and instant feedback from others.

Contact: Jonathan Clark on 0402 393 459 OR 3878 7165 OR email jclark@eq.edu.au

Other Links
	Workshop Flyer

Dion Brusse and Shaun Rice - Winners of the 2004 Avon Descent

Multiplex Avon Descent Results - Interstate Challenge

1st	$2,000	Tim Doyle	NSW	10.45.52	42 year old, ex Australian Team Wildwater and Marathon paddler
2nd	$1,200	Dan Hall	TAS	10.51.44	Current National Wildwater Champion, never paddled long distance
3rd	$800	Ramon Anderson	WA	10.52.46	WAIS coach
		Ross Macdonald	VIC	11.24.29	One of the best Marathon paddlers in Victoria
		Dale Welsh	SA	11.24.39	SASI Sprint paddler never seen white water before or paddled long distance
		Erin Okeefe	QLD	11.57.28	Current member of Australian Marathon team

The results certainly blow away any theories about this event being only for Marathon Paddlers. The Avon is a huge event involving 810 paddlers and as demonstrated by the Interstate Challenge, its for all paddlers regardless of preferred discipline.

Luck plays a big part in this race, particularly when paddling fibreglass craft in a river with lots of rocks and white water - Ramon Anderson, who finished the race with a very leaky boat as a result of an altercation with a rock earlier in the day, will attest to that.

Dale Welsh (SA) and Erin O'Keeffe (QLD) also lost substantial time when they capsised at Bells rapids, the last major white water on Day 2 and a difficult place to get back into a kayak.

Congratulations to Erin O'Keeffe who was the only female in the Interstate Challenge. Erin was the fastest woman over the course who paddled the full distance in a single kayak. Erin's time of 11:57:08 puts her 1:14:09 ahead of the winner of the Kayak Single Female class.

LOOK OUT for selection events in each state for Avon Descent 2005.  

Dragon boat team refuses defeat

The fire in a boatshed at Sydney Secondary College, Glebe, destroyed 12 boats yesterday afternoon, and is being investigated by police and firefighters.  Dragon Boats NSW president Melanie Cantwell today said members were still hopeful of competing at the Dragon Boat World Championships in Shanghai, China, in October. Australia plans to send a team of 200 to the competition - 100 of them from NSW.

The state's contingent would continue training with borrowed boats until new vessels could be built, Ms Cantwell said.

'We've actually been able to scrounge up a couple of boats for the Australian team to keep training with tonight.

'Fitness-wise there'll still be able to keep going, but mentally it's obviously going to be difficult for them just for the next little bit because they'll need to refocus and get over what's happened.'

Ms Cantwell said she was hopeful of being fully equipped by the time the dragon boat season began next month.

'I've already been onto our boatbuilder last night and they've advised me that they've cleared the decks and can start building once the insurance comes through.'

The team was devastated by the loss of the boats, but remained determined to succeed, she said.

'It's just going to be quite difficult for us over the next couple of months, but we are very determined that we're not going to let this beat us, that we're just going to keep ploughing ahead.

'They (the team) are devastated, absolutely devastated. These guys have been training nine sessions a week for the past eight months to represent their country and to have this happen to them is devastating. It's just pure vandalism. It's really mean that somebody gets their kicks out of destroying other people's property.'

Spanish canoeist Jovino Gonzalez who tested positive for the banned substance EPO and has now been dropped from the Olympic team

Canoeist fails dope test

Spanish Olympic Committee president Jose Maria Echevarria had earlier been quoted by Spanish media giving details of the situation.

'He has waived a 'B' test and from now on the Spanish Olympic Committee will take appropriate measures,' Echevarria said.

A spokeswoman for the Spanish Olympic Committee said they had no independent information on the matter.

Athletes who fail a drugs test can expect to be banned for at least two years. The Athens Olympics are the first Games following the introduction of a global anti-doping code.

Erythropoietin, also known as EPO, is a banned performance-enhancing substance.

Gonzalez, quoted in a report on the website of Spanish sports daily Marca on Monday, denied knowingly taking any banned substance.

'I haven't taken anything myself,' Gonzalez said. 'I've always been incredulous when other sportspeople have tested positive and said they didn't understand but that's now what's happening to me, although people won't believe me.'

The 28-year-old finished sixth in the 500m kayak at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and also competed at the Atlanta Games.

Louise Natoli at 2003 EnergyAustralia Canoe Slalom World Cup

Natoli's Never-ending Challenge

After competing in the sport of slalom for nearly a decade, Louise is relieved and excited to finally be competing at such an elite level.

She suffered several setbacks last year with her performances in the World Championships and on the international circuit far from her best. Her strong self-belief and support network has seen her bounce back into contention and Louise feels more driven and confident than ever before.

Off the water, her biggest challenge will be learning to cope with the added pressure, excitement and media attention that comes with Olympic competition and being able to draw energy to fuel her motivation to succeed.

Louise has improved dramatically this year and placed third in the qualifying heats at the Athens World Cup at the Helliniko Olympic Complex where the Slalom Olympic competition will be held. Louise will be pressing for finals contention so keep your eye on her.

Find out what else she had to say in our Q&A below.

1. How important has qualifying for the Olympics been and what does it mean to you?

It is the culmination of four years of focus and determination...and really hard training! I have put so much into achieving this goal, that to have it finally realised is something of a relief. But qualifying is just the beginning...

2. What has been your toughest challenge or most difficult obstacle to overcome in achieving Olympic selection?

Last years performances on the international circuit (particularly the World Championships) were disappointing. It was hard to bounce back and maintain the belief in my own ability. However with the support of the people around me, especially Wayne (my boyfriend) and Myriam (my coach), as well as various sports psychology sources, I feel I have overcome this hurdle.

3. Who do you see as your toughest competitor in Athens and why?      

The course in Athens is particularly difficult. It is big, fast and tough. I think this opens up the women’s field considerably. However, the big muscled girls will be the ones to chase down! Rebecca Gibbens (USA) and the Slovak and Czech girls should perform well here.

4.  What do you foresee as being the most daunting factor in competing at the Athens Olympics (if any)?

I think trying to cope with, as well as enjoying the added pressure that comes along with competing in the pinnacle event of our sport. The extra excitement from friends and family, the media attention, the crowds, staying in a different environment with a team of around 460 compared to our usual team of 15! The challenge is being able to draw energy and excitement from all these things, and use it to help fuel my own motivation. 

5. What has been your biggest sacrifice on the path to success?

The biggest sacrifice has been shifting my life from Melbourne, away from my family and friends, to Penrith where the Sydney Olympic venue is located. However the community in Penrith has been extremely welcome to the paddlers, and I now have a big circle of close friends here.

6. Do you have any sporting regrets?

My biggest regret was not putting more effort into my preparation (especially mental preparation) leading into the Sydney Olympic Selection. I did not possess the same drive or belief that I have now and consequently didn't gain selection for the 2000 Games. I think that competing in a home Olympic Games would be an incomparable experience.

7. How would you describe your attitude to training?

 Everybody's attitude towards training has highs and lows. But with an incentive like the Olympic Games, it is pretty easy to stay motivated!

8. What motivates you to continue competing at an elite level?  

Competing at an elite level has some fairly obvious pros – I haven't seen a full winter for eight years! But at a more personal level, what drives me to continue is the never-ending challenge. The excitement and adrenalin of competing and the chase for that flying feeling as you race down a whitewater course.

9. What are your goals post-Olympics?  

After the Olympics it will be nice to settle down into normal life – for a little while! With the World Championships coming up in Penrith in 2005, it wont be long before we are into another exciting summer of preparation.

10. If you weren’t paddling for the Australian Slalom team, what do you think you would be doing now?

If I weren’t paddling slalom I would be still living in Melbourne. I would have finished my Social Work degree and would be looking for challenges elsewhere Work? Travel? A family?

Other Links
	Natoli's Profile
	Slalom Olympic Newsletter

Bell's toll ... coaches claim Robin Bell will battle the greatest course ever in Athens

Salt Leaves A Good Taste for Bell

Bell's toll ... coaches claim Robin Bell will battle the greatest course ever in Athens / Reuters

Bell, an Olympic medal chance in the C1 class, and his Australian teammates yesterday reacquainted themselves with Athens' spectacular Helliniko white water course, which was redesigned with Australian expertise in May to make it harder for competitors.

The biggest slalom courses in the European-dominated sport utilise fresh water and, according to Bell and his coach Richard Fox, none are as difficult and testing to negotiate as one of Athens's most impressive Olympic construction rush jobs.

'The main difference, I think about the course, is the salt. I'm a bit lucky I grew up surfing in Perth, although some of the Europeans seem to be dealing with it better than me,' said Bell, who trained with borrowed paddles while awaiting the arrival of his after they went missing in transit from London.

'The course gets this white froth and the sun is so bright here that it seems like you have snow blindness.'

Fox was seconded to suggest improvements to the Helliniko course after April's test event.

Fox says the primary task for the slalom competitors at the Athens Games is simple.

'The main goal is to stay dry and any error of judgment is punished more here than at any other course,'' Fox said.

'It's the greatest course ever built.'

Australia's K1 paddler Louise Natoli could not wipe the smile off her face.

'It's such an adrenalin rush,' said Natoli.

Bell has finished fourth or fifth at the Helliniko test event and in all world cup events in Europe this year and is a chance of broadening Australia's spread.

Other Links
	Bell's Profile
	Slalom Olympic Newsletter

Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon Competitors

Paddle the Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon

The race is 80km and is run over two days from the 1 & 2 October 2004. The race winds through the Karoo, with a mixture of grade 3 rapids and fast flowing water, finishing in the town of Cradock. The race has a guaranteed water release which makes for an exciting race. Paddlers use fiberglass K1 and K2 marathon canoes.

Come to South Africa to experience this premier canoe race! An organized tour has been arranged for those interested. The tour will run from the morning of the 27 September 2004 until the evening of the 9 October 2004. The tour will include competing in the Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon as well as visits to three of South Africa's top game parks, visits to the famous garden route on the east coast, whale watching in Hermanus, wine tasting in the winelands and finishing off with a few days in Cape Town.

The planned itinerary is as follows:

27 Sept: Depart Johannesburg after collection of guests from the Johannesburg International Airport. Stay at Golden Gate National Park.
28 Sept: Tour through Golden Gate National Park, then drive to Cradock. Stay at Mountain Zebra National Park.
29 Sept to 2 Oct: Fish River Canoe Marathon – tripping and racing. Stay at Mountain Zebra National Park.
3 Oct: Depart Cradock. Tour through and stay at Addo Elephant Park.
4 Oct – 5 Oct: Drive along Garden Route. Stay in Plettenberg bay. – possible activities: beaches, forest walks, sea kayaking, mountain biking, tree climbing.
6 Oct: Drive along Garden route to Hermanus for whale watching in Hermanus. Stay in Hermanus.
7 Oct: Visit to the famous Cape winelands – Stay in Cape Town.
8 Oct – 9 Oct: Visit the sites of Cape Town. Depart Afternoon of the 9 October from Cape Town International Airport.

Rates for the tour will be U$2,500 per person.

The rate excludes flights to and from South Africa. You will be expected to make your own arrangements for getting to and from South Africa. You will need to arrive at Johannesburg International Airport no later than the morning of the 27 September and will be able to depart from Cape Town International Airport on the 9 October.

This rate will include the following:

· Transport for the duration of the tour
· Accommodation and all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
· Hire of all kayaking equipment needed for Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon (including: kayak (K1 or K2), paddle, splash covers, drinking systems, life jackets).
· Entry into the Hansa Powerade Fish River Canoe Marathon.
· Entry into all the national parks
· A Tour guide to accompany the group for the duration of the tour.

The following is NOT included in the rate:

· Drinks
· Any additional activities done at any of the places visited.

This tour is available for 16 people.

The tour will be run by:

Graham Bird - 4 times winner of the Fish River Canoe Marathon, South Africa National team member (World Marathon Champs) 1992 – 2003.
Jeannette Walder – Winner of the Fish River Canoe Marathon, Qualified Nature conservationist.

For more information contact Graham Bird at tweet@global.co.za

Other Links
	Official Website

Dion Brusse and Shaun Rice - Winners of the 2004 Avon Descent

Rice, Brusse kings of the rapids

Local pair Graham Lawson and Simon Roll won yesterday's stage of the 133km whitewater classic with Brusse and Rice second. The South African pair won Saturday's stage.

Brusse, who won last year's race with his brother Sven, teamed up with Rice to take out the double kayak in 9hr. 36min. 04sec. - just over a minute ahead of Lawson and Roll, who finished in 9:37:09.

The South Africans held a 49sec. lead after day one and almost came unstuck when they lost their way in the tea trees early yesterday. Brusse said he lost his way after forgetting the route he took last year and with Rice was forced to take to dry land and run to find an alternative through the trees.

'Fortunately it did not take long for us to realise our mistake and we were able to get back on track and catch Lawson and Roll,' Rice said.

'We battled to stay with them but we knew we had our lead as a buffer.'

Lawson and Roll were disappointed not to win the class, but were happy to take line honours.

'It was tough trying to make up the time we lost on the first day and especially the final sprint,' Lawson said.

'But after missing out on line honours last year we were determined not to be beaten again.'

The story in the single craft was similar with Ashley Nesbit, last year's double surf ski winner, taking line honours on a single but missing out on the fastest time.

South African whitewater champion Daryl Bartho was the fastest single paddler to make his way through the Avon and Swan valley's, winning the single kayak in 10:17:35 - more than 25min. clear of his closest rival in his class.

Nesbit's time was 10:17:54 which was good enough to take honours in the surf ski class.

Nesbit said the first day's racing was a struggle but he enjoyed the second day.

Bartho's experience was reversed as he struggled with the long flat stretch to the finish.

Louise Natoli at the 2003 EnergyAustralia Canoe Slalom World Cup

Natoli looks up to a pair of true Patriots

She passed through one gate and another, then pulled into an eddy at the side to better examine the thrashing, foaming water - trying to get a mental imprint.

She pushed into the maelstrom again, sliding down a cascading wall, harnessing the force to angle off to another gate, digging deep, shoulders aching, backing against the current through yet another pair of those maddening striped poles.

Then she did it all again. And again. For just on an hour. She was, she later revealed, having the time of her life.

Four years ago, Natoli, an emergency for the 2000 Olympics canoe slalom team, watched the Sydney Olympic competition as a volunteer at the Penrith venue. She can still hear the crowd's cheers for the Australian competitors. Now she is ready to play her part.

The newly-built course is beautifully sited on the Athenian coast, with a mountainous backdrop and under the watchful gaze of two Patriot missile launchers on a nearby hill. The course is said to be the best in the world.

'It's hard to imagine,' she says of her Games debut in such a setting. 'We're such a small sport, we don't often get huge crowds.'

And even though the course has proved to be the toughest on the circuit, Natoli comes in with a degree of confidence. At the World Cup event in April which inaugurated the course, Natoli finished third in the qualifying round.

Other Links
	Check out Louise's Profile

In form New Zealand paddler Ben Fouhy, will keep Aussie Nathan Baggaley on guard.

Across the Tasman - We check in on Ben Fouhy

'He was quite overwhelmed with the attention,' recalls Avery. 'All of a sudden, everybody wanted a piece of him. He came and asked me about how I dealt with that side of things and we talked through a few things.'

It is a pattern the K1 1000m Olympic gold-medal favourite has repeated often in the past year.

In the build-up to these games, he has approached Avery, gold-medal rower Rob Waddell, canoeist Paul McDonald and 1960 Olympic champion runner Sir Murray Halberg, soaking up ideas, advice and inspiration.

'If the race is won and lost before you get to the startline, I want to make sure I've done everything as best I can,' Fouhy, 25, said this week.

To become a champion, Fouhy has sought out champion advice.

It has been a mark of his approach to sport since Fouhy, one of the pipsqueaks at Palmerston North Boys High School and Taumarunui High School, ditched rugby for running, cycling and multisport.

He devoured tips and hints from running and cycling magazines and became a disciple of Arthur Lydiard, reading about the legendary coach's principles and applying them to his training ever since.

His hero was Steve Gurney, New Zealand's multi-sport king, and at Palmerston North Boys he was fed stories of a former pupil, a bloke called Ian Ferguson, four-times gold medal-winning canoeist.

During the gruelling Coast to Coast race in 2001, scrambling over rocks and down the rapids of the Southern Alps, Fouhy reached a crossroads. He finished at Sumner Beach in a thoroughly creditable 15th place, 14 spots behind Gurney, but it was not enough. He craved to be at the front, the winner.

When Fouhy wants to do something, he wants to be the best and to be surrounded by the best. He heard that some of the best marathon paddlers in the world were living in Melbourne, so he packed his bags and headed across the ditch. He dossed on his brother's floor for six months and learned the secrets of his new sport, marathon paddling, from champions.

He came third at the Australian championships in 2002. Around the same time, Fouhy had been invited to join the New Zealand sprint kayaking squad. The invitation had come from none other than Ferguson, so, after an ill-fated marathon paddling trip to Europe, he came back home to take up another opportunity to learn from a champion.

Within a year, Ferguson had honed his new charge's paddling technique and added speed on top of the endurance base built by years of Lydiard-style training. Fouhy became world champion in the K1 1000m and loomed as the favourite for Athens. Together with Ferguson's son Steven he also qualified for the K2 1000m.

With success at last his - finally he had found what he craved for on Sumner Beach - Fouhy threw himself into training at Lake Pupuke on the North Shore. Thanks to sponsorship, he gave up his job as a builder, and became a training fiend.

Gordon Walker, a multi-sport competitor and mate of Fouhy's, said that away from paddling, Fouhy was a real joker.

'He has a good sense of humour and anyone can walk up and talk to him. But when it comes time to train, no one gets in his way on the lake.

'When he wants to talk to you about something like his training, he is extremely intense.'

Others describe Fouhy's attitude as fastidious and say he is a perfectionist to the point of being selfish in his approach to training and competing.

Walker said that Fouhy simply wanted to know that he was preparing as best he could.

'He would be the only person who would complete a whole training programme and he would do it to the letter.'

But it is not a case of blindly following a programme given to him.

Fouhy will consult people about his training programmes, including Auckland University of Technology physiologist Darrell Bonetti.

'It's not enough to say, 'Here you go, Ben, go do these 500s at this pace', - he'd need to know why and for what benefit,' said Walker.

Fouhy's approaches to past Olympic champions, such as Waddell, were another example of how he covered every base.

'Ben definitely doesn't have the nonchalant confidence that Steven Ferguson exudes. He gets his self-belief from his detail-oriented approach to the sport and the knowledge that he is the best-prepared athlete on the start line.'

For the past few months, Fouhy has been in Europe with girlfriend Katie Pocock, herself a paddler. He trained and raced in England with Sydney bronze medallist Tim Brabants (whom Fouhy beat in the English nationals), and raced in two world cup events in June.

In the first, he came third and was a bit disappointed, even though he had just come off a stretch of base training and paddled faster than he had to win his world championship title.

The next week, in Duisburg, Germany, he was part of the fastest race ever held.

'I wanted to practise getting into the race early, getting as close to the leaders as I could in that first 500m.'

Over the last 250m, he noticed he was still in touch with the leaders and so turned on the pace again, recording the same time for the last quarter of the race as he did for the first.

Eirik Veras Larsen cracked the eight-year-old world record with 3m 24.920s, Nathan Baggaley was second, and Fouhy third. His time of 3m 25.773s was a personal best and qualified him for kayaking's elite club of paddlers who have recorded 3m 25s - only five men have done it. With the work he has been doing in the Czech Republic for a month with Ferguson, he is confident he can go faster still.

The trio of paddlers, with Canadian Adam Van Koeverden, have emerged as the most likely men to dominate the Olympic race. Fouhy feels the pressure of being world champion, noticing that people are reacting to the threat posed by the Kiwi unheard of two years ago.

'But I've always thought that if you paddle the best race you can, that's all that matters, regardless of what other people are thinking. If I do my best race, then no matter what they do, they have to paddle faster than me to beat me.'

They just could be the words of a champion.

Canoe Polo Action

Come & Try Canoe Polo

For those already aware and those wanting to try canoe polo for the first time, please note there has been a change of venue for the canoe polo beginner sessions. The new venue is: Auburn Aquatic Centre, Church St Lidcombe.

The sessions starts this Saturday & runs for 5 weekends. There are lots of land & water activities planned for beginner paddlers, with an emphasis on fun and there will also be a BBQ for those joining the activities.

All beginners are encouraged to register to ensure a place - email: ilovecanoepolo@hotmail.com

We are still looking for additional helpers so please let Ian Mcleod know if you can come along and help out.

For more information, contact:

Brad Baker 04 1048 8635
Ian McLeod 04 2524 7675 or
email: ilovecanoepolo@hotmail.com

Other Links
	Come & Try Brochure
	Sydney Canoe Polo Website

Abandoned vessels ... the site near the Fish Markets where the $2.1 million boat ramp and picnic area would have been

Costa casts harbour boat owners adrift

The Transport Minister, Michael Costa, withdrew his support yesterday for the Bank Street boat development after two years of planning and design work.

He had been under pressure from residents, government ministers and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

Mr Costa has now set in train a search for an alternative harbour launching site to cater for the fast-growing number of powerboats.

Less than a week ago the Herald reported that locals were concerned about safety and traffic congestion in relation to the 600-metre-long waterfront site between the Fish Markets and the old Glebe Island Bridge.

The plan for the use of the land is now in doubt, and the ramp's opponents hope most of the land will become dedicated open space. This would fill a gap in a 17-kilometre harbour foreshore walk proposed to start at Rushcutters Bay and end at Rozelle Bay.

The ban on the Bank Street site is a setback for the Waterways Authority, which had been authorised and encouraged to pursue the boat ramp option by the previous minister, Carl Scully, before the last election, in March last year.

The MP for Port Jackson, Sandra Nori, said she was thrilled the scheme had been abandoned.

'I must admit I was amazed when this idea was floated over a year ago, in contravention of recognised understandings about waterways use in this area.

'The area next to the Fish Markets doesn't need dozens of cars and trailers clogging it up. And adding dozens of motorised boats to Blackwattle and Rozelle bays is just not compatible with current uses, such as rowing.'

The president of the Boat Owners' Association of NSW, Michael Chapman, was disappointed, saying the decision was a panic move to placate a vocal rowing lobby and not based on a factual assessment of the plan. 'It's consultation by press release and also a contradiction of the Carr Government's plans to better share the harbour,' he said.

'Harmonious sharing of the waterway at Bank Street is still achievable. It could be done through a code of conduct, the installation of traffic separation marker buoys. There would be no wash, and speed limits could be put in place. We still remain willing to participate in a proper consultation process, but it appears the gate has been shut.'

The scrapped plan included the ramp, a boarding pontoon and a picnic area, with room for more than 60 trailers and cars.

Six landowners, including Hymix Concrete and Poulos Bros Seafood, own the land and allowed the Waterways Authority to design the plan with the boat ramp as its centrepiece.

Sydney has more than 200,000 licensed boat owners, and the number is growing by more than 10 per cent a year.

With only one public ramp on the southern side of the harbour between Rose Bay and Drummoyne, securing an extra site has become urgent.

The president of the Sydney University Women's Rowing Club, Jane Spring, who lobbied against the ramp, said the decision reflected the need to retain the area's character, with its mixture of rowing, kayaking and dragon boat use.

'There is now a good opportunity to explore for a new site, and share the harbour to preserve the different activities that currently take place,' she said.

Nathan joined several Athens athletes in baring all for B&W Magazine

Female Athletes Ready to Reveal All

Star swimmer Amanda Beard — romantically linked to Australian superfish Ian Thorpe in recent months — is the standout performer with a stunning black and white shot that would get even the most non-athletic pulse beating.

Beard was a bronze medallist at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and denied any romance with Thorpe when quizzed at the US trials last month.

The shoot is part of the magazine’s tribute to the females of the US team, and features athletes from all sports in a series of seductive poses.

Australia’s 800m hope Tamsyn Lewis is the latest athlete down-under to take it all off for the cameras. She is currently the star of the August issue of Ralph.

Black + White also shot members of the Australian Olympic team, but got them completely naked for its Athens Dream issue.

Among the brave souls snapped for the title were swimmers Michael Klim, Brooke Hanson, Geoff Huegill and Petria Thomas, kayak star Nathan Baggaley, walker Jane Saville and beach volleyball beauty Nicole Sanderson.

Opals star Lauren Jackson featured on the cover topless, causing a stir in the States where she is a huge star in the Women’s National Basketball Association.

The US team’s FHM shoot will be on newsstands across America on August 10, just three days out from the Opening Ceremony.

In a country notorious for ignoring the Games until their athletes actually win something, it should spark some anticipation for the women’s events at least.

Avon Descent 2003 - Bells Rapids Day 2

Multiplex Avon Descent On Big Screen

The big screen will also feature hot shots from day 1, live feeds from the river and action from previous years.

There will be hospitality available for competitors, support crew and spectators so bring your friends and family and join the festival to award the champions of the Multiplex Avon Descent. Public vehicles are advised to enter Riverside Gardens via Slide St or King William St onto Riverside Gardens East.

Don't miss the action at the finish line as competitors start arriving at 11.30am. Presentations commence at 4.00pm in the main marquee arena!

Australian Canoeing Flatwater team selectors Mike Pond and Tim Munro will this year feature in the race. Pond, an AIS scholarship holder from 1989-91 has been in training with Olympian Lisa Oldenhof in the lead-up to the event. Whilst Pond knows all about leading from the front having won 4 K2 National Titles, represented Australia in 1989, 90 & 91 and winning the Double Ski Champion in 1993 (surf), these days he is just hoping the race pace is slightly slower than his current training partner.

Munro is also no stranger to success having himself been an AIS scholarship holder from 1989-91, representing Australia in the K2500 in 1987, 90 & 91 and taking out the Open double ski champ in 1991. Tim commented 'I'm just hoping the training with Oldenhof has had some impact because i'm relying on Mike to do all the paddling!.'

Assured Hospitality is this year proud to offer a finish line spectator prize to one lucky spectator. The lucky winner will be awarded a holiday for 3 nights for 4 people in a 2 spa, 2 storey, 2 bedroom apartment at the luxurious Margarets Forest, Margaret River valued at $930.

To be in the draw for this fantastic prize look for the 96fm Thunders to get a Kwik Kopy entry form which must be filled out dropped off at the finish line presentation marquee.

If you are the lucky winner you must be at the finish line to receive your great prize which will be drawn after the presentations at 5pm.

The Avon Descent Weekend - August 7th & 8th

Day 1 - Northam to Boral Finish - Expect power craft form 8.15am, paddlers form 9.45
Day 2 - Boral Start to Riverside Gardens East - 7:00am start for paddle craft - 1:00pm for power craft

Other Links
	2004 Avon Descent Website

Susan Tegg at 2004 Olympic Qualification Regatta in Poznan, Poland

Fogarty Appeal Dismissed

Fogarty's dismissal clears the way for Susan Tegg to join Paula Harvey in the recently allocated Ladies K2 500m event in Athens. 

With the verdict still in the balance, Susan had a long and nervous trip to the airport this morning awaiting the final decision that would enable her to compete with Paula in the event. Needless to say, she is both relieved and excited at the prospects ahead of her and even more enthusiastic to prove herself.

The Women's K2 500m will take place on Tuesday August 24 (Day 11) of competition, giving the girls some time to train and acclimatise to the hot and humid conditions of Athens.

Helliniko Olympic Complex - Canoe Slalom Venue, Athens (April 2004)

Full training programme in Canoe/Kayak Slalom

Rhodes and Collins - Looking to change tradition and overcome the European competitiors

Europeans set to dominate canoeing

Nineteen countries won medals at the last major event, the 2003 world championships, and only three of them were from outside Europe.

'In canoe slalom in Sydney (2000 Olympics) all the medals were won by European nations,' British performance director John Anderson told Reuters. 'There are some emerging nations but Europe is the powerhouse.'

The German campaign will be spearheaded by seven-times Olympic champion Birgit Fischer who is aiming to win a record eighth gold medal at the age of 42.

The mother-of-two had retired from competitive sport after winning two golds at the Sydney Olympics but in October she announced her comeback.

'There was a voice going on in my head saying 'if all you're thinking about is whether you could still manage to be stronger than the others, then you'd better get back in that boat',' Fischer said.

The winner of 27 world titles, Fischer made a strong start to her campaign with two wins at the German Olympic trials last month and two medals at the European Championships in May.

Fischer's bid, if successful, will be the highlight of what should be an excellent regatta.

HIGHEST STANDARD

The International Canoeing Federation president Ulrich Feldhoff has described the facilities at both the flatwater and slalom centres as 'of the highest Olympic standard' while Anderson hails them as the best in the world.

'The canoeing facilities in Athens are absolutely fantastic,' Anderson said. 'The slalom course is the best artificial course in the world. There is nothing better, it is state-of-the-art.'

Hungary topped the medals table in 2003 with nine golds and their Olympic campaign will be led by Katalin Kovacs who finished 2003 as world champion and World Cup winner in the K1 500 event.

Germany's Andreas Dittmer has also confirmed his place as a firm favourite in the C1 500 and 1000 events with two commanding wins at the 2003 worlds.

In the slalom event, the European nations will again expect to dominate on a highly technical, man-made course.

One of the main battles to watch will be the men's C1 event between Slovakian Michal Martikan, one of the great canoe slalom specialists, and France's Olympic champion Tony Estanguet, who had to beat his elder brother to secure the French Olympic slot.

However, despite the excellent facilities and the abundance of talent expected in Athens, the Games could yet be dogged by strong winds which are expected in August in Athens.

Organisers have produced a variety of proposals for coping with the conditions such as bringing racing forward to 0600 GMT and cutting the intervals between races.

Outrigger Canoe's in action, Nth Qld

Paddling into Battle

The week-long event, starting on Monday, will bring together more than 1800 paddlers from 20 different countries and regions.

Australia will be widely represented including three North Queensland crews with participants from Port Douglas, Cairns, Coconuts, Coral Sea, Magnetic Island and Mackay clubs.

Susan Creece and Pam Roberts from Townsville will compete in the senior masters division while Debbie Schmidt, Dorothy Chamberlain and Georgina Donovan will contest the masters division.

North Queensland coaching co-ordinator Tuki Brown is in charge of the NQ contingent and was confident his crews would do well.

'The girls had a lot of success recently at the Hamilton Island Cup which we use as a lead-up event,' he said.

'The crews are looking very good and we are pushing for finals for all three crews.'

The North Queensland crews have been training since November for what Brown dubbed the 'Olympics of outrigging' and have dedicated a lot of time and money to the cause.

The event is considered the sport's foremost international showcase and will feature 349 races, plus a variety of cultural activities and displays.

Men and women in various open, junior and masters divisions will compete in one-man (V1), six-man (V6) and double-hull (V12) races over a number of distances.

The championships were held in Townsville in 2000.

Australian Slalom Team presented with their commemorative Olympic stamps

Slalom Olympic Send-off A Success

The team, in particular our women's K1 star Louise Natoli were treated to a quick trip down memory lane with some video footage depicting Louise's amazing rise to the top from somewhat humble beginnings.

Members of the kayaking community and fellow guest speakers joined the Penrith Mayor, Mr David Bradbury in offering their support and well wishes to the team as they prepare to depart for Athens later this week. Mayor Bradbury commented, whilst the team's origins are Australia-wide, the greater Penrith community shares a sense of pride in claiming these athletes as our own. Penrith have been in need of Olympic Champions, and Penrith Whitewater Stadium has been an integral part of training and preparations for these five athletes to have the opportunity to potentially become those champions in Athens.

On behalf of Australia Post, Mayor Bradbury presented each team member with a special framed commemorative stamp set.

The Olympic team include:

Robin Bell - C1 Men (WA)
Warwick Draper - K1 Men (VIC)
Louise Natoli - K1 Women (NSW)
Mark Bellofiore - C2 Men (VIC)
Lachlan Milne - C2 Men (NSW)

Clint and Nathan in action at the 2004 National Flatwater Championships

Paddle envy put away for gold attack

After all, when superpowers are at war it can be disastrous.

Robinson and Baggaley have a long, colourful history in surf and kayaking events and have never exactly seen eye to eye.

As recently as March the pair came steaming out of the waves after a clash of boats saw them both eliminated from a medal chance in the open men's ski race at the national surf lifesaving titles on the Gold Coast.

The 94kg, 1.89m Robinson won gold in Barcelona in the K1 1000 event and bronze at Atlanta but did not qualify in any of the solo events for the Athens Games, while Baggaley's 90kg and 1.93m has dominated recent world cup events over 500 and 1000m and qualified for the Olympics in both events.

Despite the clash on the beach last March, the two cooled down and decided it was better to combine their aggression and managed to qualify for the K2 500m event. Not only were their fellow competitors amazed, the sports authorities needed time to be convinced the pair wouldn't paddle in different directions.

Baggaley, 28, from Byron Bay, NSW, lets out a good-natured groan when the past is raised.

'We have had our moments and we make no secret of it,' he said. 'We are both very competitive guys.

'It's a competitive sport and at the end of the day all you want to do is go to the Olympics and represent your country, so Clint has a great success rate and he has a very good history behind him and he's in good form.

'It's a pretty tough call to take only one person and to me it's common sense to jump together let's see what we can do as a pair. Our focus has changed and our drive is now together and at the end of the day we are an Australian team.

'There's going to be challenges and we have had challenges, but we've got through them quite well so I'm getting on well with the big guy and he's a great guy to have on your team.'

Naturally Robinson, 32, from Brisbane has his views as well. 'From my point of view, I have been around a long time and I've experienced a lot of competitors and there's never been anyone in canoeing like Nathan,' he said.

'He's very tenacious, he loves to win and there was no one else in canoeing even though we've had our rivalries and our little ups and downs from time to time I'd prefer to have Clint behind me, he's 100 per cent and he wants to win and he'll do everything he can to win in a fair way and you can't ask for anything more from a partner than that. We think the same way.'

Baggaley points out that Robinson insisted on sitting at the front so he could cross the line first. Robinson says that is the prerogative of age.

Just pray they don't decide to argue about it.

Other Links
	Nathan's profile
	Clint's profile

Collins (front) ... sights firmly on gold

League Coach Saves Games Dream

But a few sharp words from Sydney Roosters coach Ricky Stuart inspired Collins to come out of retirement.

And now he has his sights set firmly on a gold medal in Athens.

Collins was working as a consultant for the Sydney Roosters in their 2002 premiership campaign when Stuart told him he would regret it if he did not come out of retirement to chase gold at Athens.

'I was talking to Ricky one day about if he missed playing and he said if he could play he would and asked me why I wasn't still paddling,' Collins said after training at the Gold Coast with David Rhodes, with whom he won a World Cup title in the K2 1000m in Germany in June.

'For the life of me, I couldn't come up with an answer to his question. It was the first time it hit me between the eyes that I should make a comeback and from that point I became more scared of letting the chance go than I was scared of coming back and making an ass of myself.'

When Collins, 33, started serious exercise again, he was 114kg, 18kg heavier than he had been when he had won a silver medal with the now-retired Andrew Trim at the Sydney Olympics.

'I started jogging first in September 2002 because I couldn't fit my backside in the boat and after the Roosters won the grand final, I started paddling again,' Collins said.

'David and I are a fair-dinkum chance of winning a gold medal - we've shown that by our form in Europe this year - but the achievement for me has been to have the courage to make a comeback and to bash myself back into shape.'

Stuart employed Collins, a former Australian schoolboys representative teammate of Roosters skipper Brad Fittler, in his first season as an NRL coach to streamline the management structure of his team and suggest motivational ideas.

Collins made big dietary changes when he dedicated himself to a fourth and final Olympic campaign, cutting out snacking, beer and wine. Now, he is 2kg lighter than he was in the countdown to the Sydney Games.

'I was loving going to the footy and having a couple of pies and a beer with my mates, but when you train like an elite athlete for five hours a day, the weight starts to come off fairly quickly,' he said.

With a bit of luck, Stuart might come to see 2002 as the year he won a premiership in his first year with the Roosters and helped Australia win an Olympic gold medal into the bargain.

'I'd be happy for him to get the medal up. I'll be watching his races whenever they are on,' Stuart said yesterday.

'I told him he was wasting his time doing what he was doing, when he could do it when he stopped competing. It was obvious to me he hadn't finished with his dream and he was a guy who still had it mentally and physically if he got serious again.

'He had a very good rapport with the players. He'd tell me when he thought they were going off the boil and question me about different things I was doing. He's very good at creating some hunger and desire.

'I'll be talking with him to work with us next year after the Olympics. I love his win-at-any-costs attitude.'

The Canberra paddler said he and Rhodes were one of four serious gold medal contenders in the K2 1000m.

'It's not a pipedream. We beat all but the Swedes, the world champions, at Duisburg and the week before the Swedes beat us by 30cm,' Collins said.

'These Games are for me a bonus, and I saw it would have been ridiculous to just walk away now.'

EVENT: K2 1000m
HEATS: Monday, August 23 @ 4.40pm
FINALS: Friday, August 27 @ 4.45pm

Other Links
	Daniel's Profile

Nathan Baggaley after receiving K1 3000m Gold Medal at 2004 World Cup in Dusburg

Paddlers prepared to bail out in windy Athens

As well as oars, athletes will be packing foot pumps to bail out their boats if summer gales whip up the water at the coastal rowing and kayak complex in Skinias.

'The Australians will have foot pumps in their boats,' said Australia's Nathan Baggaley, twice sprint kayak world champion.

A test event last year at the Skinias venue was marred by choppy conditions that sunk several craft during races.

Australian kayakers said they had adjusted their boats to be able to able to lift the noses and ride over waves.

'Hopefully, we're just worrying about nothing,' Baggaley added.

Australia's sole Olympic canoeist, former Mr Bulgaria Martin Marinov, will also have slight alterations to his craft to combat the winds

Athens organisers have insisted that the location of the site, unpopular with green groups and archaeologists due to local wetlands and antiquities, was not a mistake.

The Greek capital is traditionally buffeted by August winds, known locally as Meltemia, raising concerns that athletes will have to battle blustery conditions as well as the heat at the August 13-29 Games.

Dan Collins and David Rhodes after receiving K2 500m Bronze Medal at 2004 World Cup in Dusburg

Experts Set Target of 14 Gold

However, its opposite is the weight of expectation. It can crush a confident team, as Australia found out in Atlanta in 1996 when the swimmers had to wait until the last day to pick up two gold medals.

Australian officials are now much better prepared and more cautious in analysing the number of medals our athletes will win. After all, overwhelming favourites can lose their footing on a pedal or slip off the blocks, or unknown athletes can become shooting stars when the gun goes off.

The Australian Sports Commission expects our team in Athens to win 14 gold, 18 silver and 14 bronze medals.

An educated guess by the organisation's experts produced an expectation of 46 medals from 16 different sports, 12 down on the 58 (16-25-17) won in Sydney from 20 sports. However, that is still better than Melbourne in 1956, our next best result.

The projections place Australia in the top five nations in the overall and gold medal tally. Ahead of us run the sporting superpowers of USA, Russia, China and the now combined Germany.

To finish fifth will still have Australia boxing out of its weight division, ahead of countries like Great Britain, Italy and France.

In panning for gold, a good place to start is Sydney, where seven of our medals were won by world champions.

Of this year's 482-strong team, 21 athletes hold 12 current world titles across six of the 28 Olympic sports.

The heaviest weight of expectation sits on the swimming team, with Ian Thorpe (twice), Grant Hackett and the 4x200m freestyle team going into the Games as world champions.

But since those titles in Barcelona last year, our women are now ranked No. 1 in the world over the 50m and 100m freestyle (a great platform for the 4x100m), the 100m breaststroke and the two butterfly distances.

However, equalling the five pool gold won in Sydney would be below expectations.

Not far behind is the men's cycling 4000m pursuit team. It has smashed the world record twice since Sydney and won the past three world titles.

And at this year's world titles in Melbourne, Anna Meares won gold in the 500m time trial.

Our main track and field hope is Jana Pittman, who won the world title last year when she ran down Russian world record holder Yuliya Pechonkina in Paris to become the youngest ever 400m hurdles winner.

Rowing is expected to medal and the current world champions are the women's quad sculls.

Also going to Athens as world champions are kayaker Nathan Baggaley in the K1-500m, sailors Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page in the 470s and synchronised divers Robert Newbery and Mathew Helm.

It's expecting too much for all the world champions to bring home gold - much has happened since they won their titles over the past 12 months.

But even if they don't succeed, others could step up.

The men's archery team recently won two grand prix meets in Europe while others tipped to be in the medals, perhaps even gold, include cyclist Oenone Wood (women's road race), kayakers Daniel Collins and David Rhodes (men's K2-1000m) and Tina Morgan (taek won do).

Somebody is sure to stand up. In two week's time, Australia will discover who that is.

Other Links
	Nathan's Profile
	Daniel's Profile
	David's Profile

Search Intensifies for Missing Canoeist

Carl Stein, 35, went missing last Sunday while trying to recover a model boat from the mouth of the Inglis River at Wynyard.

State Emergency Service volunteers, police search and rescue and general police will take part in an intensified search this weekend after being hampered by poor conditions last weekend.

The police Inspector in charge of search and rescue for the western district, John Arnold, says so far, nothing has come of an appeal for public help.

'Specifically I would've thought that the paddle from the kayak would most likely have washed up on a beach in the area,' he said.

'It is a little unusual that we haven't been able to locate that, but you know, with some of these searches, anomalies do occur.'

Lachie Milne training in K1 at Penrith Whitewater Stadium

Uni students eyes record books

And with stars such as Loudy Tourky (diving), Elka Graham (swimming) and Belinda Snell (basketball), it has a good chance of making the medals table.

Take a bow, Team Sydney University, whose members are not just playing sport at the highest levels, but are students taking subjects that range from science to social work, commerce to chemistry, physiotherapy to philosophy.

'I'm thrilled they've achieved their goal of representing Australia at Athens while continuing their studies,' Angela Harris, the university's athlete services manager, said of the 17-strong team, which includes one basketball coach and two paralympians.

Although that is small compared to, say, the Australian Institute of Sport representation (of which past and present alumni account for 289 of the national team of 482), it is bigger than those fielded by 108 of the 199 nations which attended the Sydney Games four years ago.

For fellow team member Lachie Milne, 25, selection for canoeing has come after more than six years of trying.

'It's great to be a part of it,' said Milne, who is in the second year of a medicine degree and hopes to become a surgeon.

The university teaching staff, too, will be represented: its new dean of veterinary science, Professor Leo Jeffcott - an expert in back problems in horses and climatic stress relating to the equestrian sport of eventing - is Official Veterinarian to the Athens Olympics.

Sydney University was first represented at the Olympics in 1906, when sprinter Nigel Barker - widely regarded as holder of Australia's first athletics world record, in the 400 yards - won bronze medals in the 100 metres and 400 metres at the so-called 'interim games' in Athens .

Barker looked the likely winner of the 400 metres, but was 'jostled and elbowed as he came off one of the sharp bends' at the stadium.

Described in Australia's official Olympic history as 'an outstanding all-rounder' who played representative rugby union for NSW, he had been selected for the 1904 St Louis Games, but injured an ankle playing football. A public subscription raised the money to send him to Athens.

By contrast, most of the Sydney University athletes competing next month are on sporting scholarships, either through the university or its association with the NSW Institute of Sport.

Sporting scholarships at Australian universities have increased: more than 200 students from 40 sports at Sydney alone now receive financial assistance ranging from $1000 to $4000.

But numbers are still small compared to schemes offered in the United States.

Two brainy and brawny Californian colleges, UCLA and Stanford, together sent almost 100 athletes to the Sydney Games.

Dan Collins & David Rhodes - Tipped to be amongst the medals in Athens

Experts set target of 14 gold

However, its opposite is the weight of expectation. It can crush a confident team, as Australia found out in Atlanta in 1996 when the swimmers had to wait until the last day to pick up two gold medals.

Australian officials are now much better prepared and more cautious in analysing the number of medals our athletes will win. After all, overwhelming favourites can lose their footing on a pedal or slip off the blocks, or unknown athletes can become shooting stars when the gun goes off.

The Australian Sports Commission expects our team in Athens to win 14 gold, 18 silver and 14 bronze medals.

An educated guess by the organisation's experts produced an expectation of 46 medals from 16 different sports, 12 down on the 58 (16-25-17) won in Sydney from 20 sports. However, that is still better than Melbourne in 1956, our next best result.

The projections place Australia in the top five nations in the overall and gold medal tally. Ahead of us run the sporting superpowers of USA, Russia, China and the now combined Germany.

To finish fifth will still have Australia boxing out of its weight division, ahead of countries like Great Britain, Italy and France.

In panning for gold, a good place to start is Sydney, where seven of our medals were won by world champions.

Of this year's 482-strong team, 21 athletes hold 12 current world titles across six of the 28 Olympic sports.

The heaviest weight of expectation sits on the swimming team, with Ian Thorpe (twice), Grant Hackett and the 4x200m freestyle team going into the Games as world champions.

But since those titles in Barcelona last year, our women are now ranked No. 1 in the world over the 50m and 100m freestyle (a great platform for the 4x100m), the 100m breaststroke and the two butterfly distances.

However, equalling the five pool gold won in Sydney would be below expectations.

Not far behind is the men's cycling 4000m pursuit team. It has smashed the world record twice since Sydney and won the past three world titles.

And at this year's world titles in Melbourne, Anna Meares won gold in the 500m time trial.

Our main track and field hope is Jana Pittman, who won the world title last year when she ran down Russian world record holder Yuliya Pechonkina in Paris to become the youngest ever 400m hurdles winner.

Rowing is expected to medal and the current world champions are the women's quad sculls.

Also going to Athens as world champions are kayaker Nathan Baggaley in the K1-500m, sailors Nathan Wilmot and Malcolm Page in the 470s and synchronised divers Robert Newbery and Mathew Helm.

It's expecting too much for all the world champions to bring home gold - much has happened since they won their titles over the past 12 months.

But even if they don't succeed, others could step up.

The men's archery team recently won two grand prix meets in Europe while others tipped to be in the medals, perhaps even gold, include cyclist Oenone Wood (women's road race), kayakers Daniel Collins and David Rhodes (men's K2-1000m) and Tina Morgan (taek won do).

Somebody is sure to stand up. In two week's time, Australia will discover who that is.

Other Links
	Nathan's Profile
	Daniel Collins Profile
	David Rhodes Profile

Chantal Meek, Amanda Rankin, Kate Barclay & Lisa Oldenhof in training at the AIS

Kate Keen for K4 Glory

Whilst her busy training schedule has meant the sacrifice of a normal social life & studies, Kate has still managed to maintain her unique hobby of Alpaca breeding. A true animal lover, Kate intends to show her beloved Alpacas at the Royal Adelaide show upon her return from Athens and says if she wasn’t paddling for Australia she would be working as a vet or zoologist.

With just 12 days to go before Olympic competition gets under way, Kate continues her preparation and training for the games where she and her K4 team mates will meet their toughest rivals, the Hungarians on Day 10 in what she hopes will be a medal winning performance.

Read on for our Q&A with Kate.

1. How important has qualifying for the Olympics been and what does it mean to you?

It is a dream that I have wanted and worked for the majority of my life. I raced hard for myself, my crew, our coach, my family and friends. I was not going to let any of them down.

2. What has been your toughest challenge or most difficult obstacle to overcome in achieving Olympic selection?

Qualifying through the European pool.

3. Who do you see as your toughest competitor in Athens and why?

Hungary – they have been a dominant force in women’s flatwater kayaking for a number of years now, however all the countries competing will be tough.

4. What do you foresee as being the most daunting factor in competing at the Athens Olympics (if any)?

None. It will be a great experience that I will be sharing with girls who are team mates and my friends.

5. What has been your biggest sacrifice on the path to success?

Studies, a social life and work.

6. Do you have any sporting regrets?

None

7. How would you describe your attitude to training?

I’m always at training and will complete the session as intended as hard as I can. However, this has got me in trouble a few times by over training myself.

8. What motivates you to continue competing at an elite level?

My team mates, who are some of my closest friends, and the racing.

9. What are your goals post-Olympics?

Firstly to show my Alpacas at the Royal Adelaide Show in September and win ribbons, then to have a rest for a month, continue studies whilst training to make the next Olympics.

10. If you weren’t paddling for the Australian Flatwater team, what do you think you would be doing now?

Working as a vet or a zoologist – working with animals.

Other Links
	Kate's Profile

Tim Naughtin at 2005 World Canoe Marathon Championships

Manuel Busto Fernandez win's K1 K2 double

In a similar fashion to the singles class on Saturday the race soon broke into several groups with the Spanish, both Hungarian crews of Istvan Salga / Attila Jambor and Viktor Szakaly / Krisztian Szigeti together with Edwin de Nijs Dolph te Lind of the Netherlands pulling steadily clear. Just after the final portage two crews (Netherlands & Hungary) established a breakaway however the Spanish crew of “Busto” & Aranzadi failed to panic eventually re-establishing themselves with 2000m to go and then leading the sprint home.

Edvin Csabi also made it a double gold medal weekend by winning the Canadian Doubles Class from Jose Sousa & Nuno Barros from Portugal with Spain’s Oscar Grana Blanco & Ramon Ferro De Dios taking the Bronze medal.

Berenike Faldum & Linda Benedek of Hungary said that they came to win and win they did taking the Senior Women’s class from Denmarks Anne Lock & Mette Barford. Amaya Osaba Olaberri & Naiara Gomez Rodriquez of Spain took the Bronze medal.

A home victory for Norway’s Oyvind Solberg & Karl Vegard Antonsen in the Junior Men’s class gave the local crowds something to cheer for winning as pre race favourites Ben Brown & Tom Daniells took a swim after the first portage.

The Junior Women’s race was one by A Daniella Moldvai & Zita Gaspar of Hungary.

Hungary once again was top nation with four Gold medals and Spain took three.

Results

MENS K2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
1	Manuel	Busto Fernandez	&	Oier	Aizpurua Aranzadi	ESP	2:32:14
2	Istvan	Salga	&	Attila	Jambor	HUN	2:32:19
3	Viktor	Szakaly	&	Krisztian	Szigeti	HUN	2:32:27
4	Edwin	de Nijs	&	Dolph	te Linde	NED	2:32:34
5	Shaun	Rubenstein	&	Ant	Stott	RSA	2:34:13
6	Maros	Dvorsky	&	Marian	Lachkovic	SVK	2:34:14
7	Tomas	Jezek	&	Martin	Kolanda	CZE	2:34:14
8	Magnus	Siverbrant	&	Henrik	Lemel	SWE	2:34:24
9	Rascine	Boccon	&	Frederick	Gauthier	FRA	2:40:12
10	Lukas	Horak	&	Oldrich	Dasek	CZE	2:40:13
11	Chris	Van Deventer	&	Gert	Van Deventer	RSA	2:40:14
12	Andres	Del Teso Luelmo	&	Carlos	Del Teso Luelmo	ESP	2:40:24
13	Steffen	Burkhardt	&	Bernd	Leak	GER	2:40:33
14	Jim	Morrisey	&	Kevin	Pierce	IRL	2:44:20
15	Matthew	Enoch	&	Paul	Enoch	GBR	2:45:50
16	Jari	Väkiparta	&	Jussi	Wallin	FIN	2:46:03
17	Ron	Kenneth Solberg	&	Kristoffer	Karlsen	NOR	2:51:33
	Bennet	Maxwell	&	David	Provan	AUS	DNF
	Mikael	Westlen	&	Erik	Gustafsson	SWE	DNF
	Paul	Slater	&	Paul	Prestwood	GBR	DNF
	Barend	Spies	&	Joost	Zeegers	USA	DNS
	Juliano	Crai	&	Roberto	Maehler	BRA	DNS
WOMENS K2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
1	Berenike	Faldum	&	Linda	Benedek	HUN	2:50:16
2	Anne	Lolck	&	Mette	Barfod	DEN	2:50:17
3	Amaya	Osaba Olaberri	&	Naiara	Gomez Rodriguez	ESP	2:50:36
4	Marianne	Fjeldheim	&	Ellen	Fevang	NOR	2:51:48
5	Anett	Schuck	&	Wiebke	Pontzen	GER	2:52:44
6	Alexa	Lombard	&	Donia	Kamstra	RSA	2:52:47
7	Nicki	Mokka	&	Kim	Rew	RSA	2:56:10
8	Linda	Bartosova	&	Hana	Svarcova	CZE	2:56:10
9	Monika	Pajak	&	Barbara	Przybylska	POL	2:56:24
10	Hege	Brannsten	&	Marita	Lindtner	NOR	2:57:01
11	Ana	Garcia Barrecheguren	&	Olatz	Alkorta Agirregabiria	ESP	2:57:20
12	Natasza	Gatewska	&	Magdalena	Sendal	POL	2:57:20
13	Diana	Bartha	&	Vivien	Follath	HUN	2:59:48
14	Mie	Ringsted	&	Birgit	Pontoppidan	DEN	3:00:51
15	Nicole	Taylor	&	Rosline	Bates	GBR	3:03:17
16	Erin	O’Keeffe	&	Manouela	Tzvetanova	AUS	3:05:06
17	Jennifer	Adamson	&	Courtney	Kirkby	CAN	3:07:33
	Anne	Petruschat	/	Chental	Simon	GER	DNF
MENS C2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
1	Edvin	Csabai	&	Attila	Györe	HUN	2:54:07
2	Jose	Sousa	&	Nuno	Barros	POR	2:55:15
3	Oscar	Grana Blanco	&	Ramon	Ferro De Dios	ESP	2:57:06
4	Pavel	Bednar	&	Mario	Ostrcil	CZE	2:59:43
5	Robert	Bindl	&	Zsolt	Gilanyi	HUN	2:59:43
6	Ivan	Ottone	&	Gianmarco	Zaninetta	ITA	3:09:53
	Mickael	Couton	&	Gerald	Couton	FRA	DNF
	Jan	Machac	&	Viktor	Jirasky	CZE	DNF

2004 Australian Canoe Marathon Team Photo with sponsors.

Aussie Junior Women's K2 win's World Silver Medal

Fraser also won a Bronze medal in the Junior K1 on Saturday.

Fraser and Baker fought their way through the field and were simply to strong for Amandine Lothe and Julie Raeckelboon from France who finished 3rd.

Fraser's medal haul is only the second time an Australian Junior has won more than one medal at a single World Championships and it takes her total tally to three medals after finishing 2nd in 2003. Skye Taylor, also from Bendigo Canoe Club, won both a Silver Medal (LK1 18 years) and a Bronze Medal (LK2 18 years) at the World Marathon Championships in Stockton UK in 2001.

In the Junior Men's K2 race Jeremy Kent and Darren Austin finished 13th and Stewart Thompson and Brett Murray 17th.

Results

Sunday 1 August
JUNIOR MENS K2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
1	Øyvind	Sølberg jr	&	Karl	Vegard Antonsen	NOR	1:24:38
2	Theis	Iversen	&	Lars	Bryld Petersen	DEN	1:24:39
3	Jose	Besada Romero	&	Daniel	Esteves Da Costa	ESP	1:24:40
4	Eloy	Ferreira Castano	&	Jose	Barreiro Lopez	ESP	1:24:44
5	Gergo	Kabai	&	Miklos	Hamar	HUN	1:24:58
6	Jakub	Adam	&	Jan	Bohacek	CZE	1:25:35
7	Adam	Bak	&	Tibor	Bernath	HUN	1:26:40
8	Andrew	Daniels	&	Michael	Owen	GBR	1:26:41
9	Erhardt	Joubert	&	Ryan	Courtney	RSA	1:26:48
10	Francesco	Balsamo	&	Emiliano	Moro	ITA	1:27:02
11	Richard	Pokorny	&	Uwe	Heidler	GER	1:27:45
12	Mark	Hotzhausen	&	Johnathan	Bennett	RSA	1:29:08
13	Jeremy	Kent	&	Darren	Austin	AUS	1:29:50
14	Johannes	Miecke	&	Michael	Münzig	GER	1:29:50
15	Andreas	Nordberg	&	Jo	Nordskar	NOR	1:29:55
16	Riquet	Fieux	&	Mark	Mertens	BEL	1:30:48
17	Stewart	Thomson	&	Brett	Murray	AUS	1:30:52
18	Andrew	Pickrem	&	Michael	Schaus	CAN	1:31:29
19	Ciaran	Fleming	&	Michael	Brennan	IRL	1:31:36
20	Benjamin	Brown	&	Thomas	Daniels	GBR	1:34:12
	Ricardo	Tauares	&	Hugo	Guedes	POR	DNF
	Emil	Pennsäter	&	Björn	Granstedt	SWE	DNS
	Renan	Scaliza	&	Gustavo	Garcia	BRA	DNS
	Ricardo	Barreto	&	Rafael	Ussier	BRA	DNS
JUNIOR WOMENS K2 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
1	A	Daniella Moldvai	&	Zita	Gaspar	HUN	1:34:02
2	Tegan	Fraser	&	Astrid	Baker	AUS	1:34:06
3	Amandine	Lothe	&	Julie	Raeckelboon	FRA	1:34:07
4	Anna	Adamova	&	Dagmar	Fridrychova	CZE	1:35:06
5	Louisa	Sawers	&	Caroline	Rutherford	GBR	1:36:08
6	Arora	Murciano Eizagirre	&	Maitane	Atorrasagasti Larrarte	ESP	1:37:35
7	Judit	Buchmüller	&	Veronika	Cserjes	HUN	1:37:55
8	Lisa	Sheriff	&	Linn	Siri Dahl	NOR	1:37:58
9	Kelly	Howe	&	Tiffany	Kruger	RSA	1:38:04
10	Karin	Johansson	&	Anna	Ferm	SWE	1:39:14
11	Kathleen	Fraser	&	Meagan	Kusyk	CAN	1:39:44
12	Tarryn	Brown	&	Kirsty	Wood	RSA	1:46:39
	Tara	Nutt	&	Hayleigh	Mason	GBR	DNF

Tim Naughtin at 2005 World Canoe Marathon Championships

Spain win Men's K1 at World Championships