Current Sunshine Coast kayak stars are inspiring the region’s next generation of paddle prospects.
Rio Olympians Alyce Wood and Alyssa Bull impressed in their first meet in almost a year, winning the K2 500 state title at Lake Kawana last weekend.
Wood also won the K1 200, while Bull saluted in the K1 500.
“It was great to be back out racing for the first time since our Olympic trials in March 2020,” Wood said.
“We’ve been doing a lot of time trials in training in the recent weeks, but nothing beats the pressure of a race setting.”
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The duo, now based on the Gold Coast, are bound for the Tokyo Games in July.
They were delighted to race alongside some of the region’s young guns at Lake Kawana.
“The Sunshine Coast has become a mini breeding ground for Aussie kayakers,” Wood said.
“There’s some really exciting talent coming through in the development squad.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how they progress in the coming years.”
Paris hopefuls are inspired
Four Sunshine Coast young guns are in Australia’s Paris 2024 Talent Development squad.
Jenaya Massie and her cousin Brianna Massie, McKenzie Duffy and Alexandra Clark are aiming for the Olympics in four years time.
Jenaya said they were energised by Wood and Bull.
“The Sunny Coast has definitely been a good breeding ground for strong female paddlers,” she said.
“The surf-life saving movement has been a big contributing factor to this without a doubt and we are all very inspired by Alyce and Aly.
“We have seen them grow and develop into Australia’s best female paddlers and they have encouraged us to follow in their footsteps, so fingers crossed, one day we will be as successful as them.”
Jenaya, who competed in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games, finished second in the K1 1000 during the weekend, when she was also fourth in the K2 500 with fellow Sunshine Coaster Phoebe Wills-Grace. She was also second in the K4 500.
“My goal is to be selected for the 2024 Summer Paris Olympics,” she said.
“Being a member of this (development) team is encouraging me to train and learn from experienced paddlers, improve my technique and hopefully, race my best yet.
“As a younger kayaker, I have learnt how important it is in kayaking to work well as a team, so this squad gives us plenty of opportunity to practise this skill.
Jenaya now lives at the Gold Coast and is coached by triple Olympian and Olympic champion Ken Wallace, who is the Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) head coach.
“It was fantastic to finally race at a regatta, and even better that it was at my old training grounds, Lake Kawana and it was awesome to have interstate competitors too.
“There was definitely a buzz, and everyone was just happy to be paddling.”
High level of professionalism
Meanwhile, Brianna also said she had been motivated by athletes on the Sunshine Coast, particularly Wood.
“The Sunshine Coast is an absolute breeding ground for phenomenal athletes.”
“We are so lucky to have had a number of athletes inspire us and show us what is possible with hard work and dedication.
“Alyce grew up in Maroochydore Surf Club a few age groups above me and opened up my world to dreams that I wouldn’t have otherwise known were in reach.
“On top of that, the Sunshine Coast has unsuspecting athletic personnel at every step, especially in the surf club in environment. I am lucky to have met so many that have inspired and taught me along the way.”
Brianna, who now lives and trains in Sydney, finished seventh in the K1 500 at Kawana.
“I was so grateful that we were able to race on the weekend at QLD and a few weeks earlier as well at NSW state,” she said.
“It has been a very uncertain season with racing being cancelled because of boarder closures and lock downs. It has made me appreciate how good racing is.”
