RGF Canoeing Grantee, Kurt’s update

RGF Grantee, Kurt’s, update – great action, great video, great hoodie! It’s that time of the year for British Canoe Slalom Athletes when summer training camps and racing in Europe comes to an end. Intense national racing season on home soil is approaching fast, so it’s a good time to reflect before moving forwards.

“At the start of the summer I set my goal. It was to maximise exposure to different International Racing Sites and improve my racing skills. My British Canoeing England National Talent coach often reminds me how important it is to develop my racing skill set. To go and paddle is one thing, being on the start line, 100% focused and not losing it is another story.

My summer journey started on the 8th of June when I left Britain and headed to Valstagna, Italy to take part in the first of 12 European Canoe Association Junior Cup races. The ECA race series are designed for juniors from all around the world. This year 22 nations participated including athletes from New Zealand and United States of America. All athletes are divided in age group categories so you can see where you stand between your peers from all around the world. In 2018, instead of just racing in 1 category I accepted the challenge to race in 2 boats, canoe and kayak. It is physically demanding as in a short period of time you to need to put down 4 successful race runs instead of just 2.

Regarding to ECA Junior Cup results, overall after 12 races (I missed the last 4) I am very proud to say that I’m standing in 2nd place in Kayak and 3rd place in Canoe in the J16 age group. All because of how consistent I have been. I was the only male athlete who made the podium in both classes. I am glad that extra effort paid off.

This whole summer experience has made me stronger, better, faster and a more rounded athlete in mind. This summer has been a huge investment towards next year’s Junior Team Selections and my ultimate goal of Olympics.

This summer has not been easy but I have enjoyed every second and learned so much. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the Rob George Foundation. My Olympic dream has taken out a huge bite from my mum’s budget. If it wasn’t for the Rob George Foundation, I would have had to stay in the UK while all my competition trained in Europe. I can’t thank you enough! The feeling that someone has faith and believes in you is unexplainable.”

https://www.facebook.com/therobgeorgefoundation/videos/478952079284625/

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