Crunch time is here

The next time you hear from me I will know whether I am going to the Olympics or not!

It is on a few days until our first selection race begins, and less than 20 days until the last one ends. Over the course of two weekends, the single Olympic representative in each class will be decided. To achieve my goal, my dream, I must shatter the dreams of others (including my sister Ros) – or at least postpone them for four years. That aspect is not nice really, but that’s sport, and we all know what we’ve signed up for.

The selection races are the Australian Open, February 10-12 (http://ausopen.canoe.org.au/) and the Oceania Championships, February 24-26 (http://oceania.canoe.org.au/). They will be great races! Not only are they the Australian Olympic team and World Cup team selection races, but they are also International Canoe Federation world ranking races, and there will be a great field of competitors from around the world. In the women’s K1 event the competition includes the reigning world champion and 2008 Olympic Games gold and bronze medallists. The silver medallist, my older sister Jacqui, will be on the bank cheering myself and our younger sister Ros on!

I am very happy with my training and preparation for these races. I am feeling fit and fast. I am physically and mentally in great shape. I am ready.

P.S: The competitions are free to watch so come and check out some exciting racing!