So as you can probably guess by now Worlds for me had a pretty dream ending taking home the Gold Medal in Mens K1!!!
Throughout the event i’d not really paddled at the level i knew i could, my problem i knew i was being too relaxed, not aggressive enough, finals i focused on pumping myself up as hard as i could and getting ready to have the fight of my life.
First ride didn’t go my way but i was feeling more myself for sure. 2nd ride I just gave it everything i had and got 1020 the leading score at that point but definately not unbeatable so 3rd ride i went even harder, i didn’t go as big as my 2nd ride but squeezed in a few extra moves to get 1053 points.
Then i had to watch as 4 great kayakers Gerd, Nick, Stephen and Peter all went and gave it there all trying to beat my score, they all paddled great and Peter who is a deadly competitor and amazing kayaker very nearly got me but finally luck and timing went my way and I took the win!!!
I never felt so good as when the results came out and I could see everyones faces, all my friends, family, Katya and many of the people who helped and supported me over the years all around enjoying the moment and then all the GB team piling on top of me and sinking me and seeing how happy and emotional Terry Best who has been a friend and supporter for years was so so nice. Then seeing Guigui’s face after finally one of his amazing designs the Easymix 2008 got to the top!
The whole experience was one of the best moments in my life!
Standing on the podium it was exactly how it looked when i visualized it
The whole event was such a fun time always something going on, great people, perfect water levels the whole event Robson, the ICF and the judging team did a great job pulling it off!
Big props should also go out to GB’s Claire O’hara who won Gold in Squirt and Womens K1 and Palm’s Bren Orton who took the Bronze in the Junior Mens!
Below are the videos of my final rides:-
