Representative kayaker Steve Bird has made the decision to retire from elite sport with immediate effect, ending a fine career that saw him compete for Australia at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.
In doing so, the 30 year-old became just the third Western Australian from the sport after Ramon Andersson and Lisa Russ (Oldenhof) to have earned the distinction of dual Olympian.
The South African born paddler was a regular on Australian teams over the past decade and he said the opportunity to have worn the colours of his adopted country at the highest level had been a privilege.
“Representing Australia has been a huge honour,” he said. “It has been challenging but rewarding. Aussies are passionate about sport, and I am grateful for the opportunity to position myself at the tip of the sword in this aspect.”
As a sprint specialist, Bird made Olympic finals at both London and Rio, and he said the experience of giving it his all for his country would remain a proud memory.
“The experience is so tangible. You are wearing the badge and going head to head with international opposition. To me, paddling for Australia meant representing an attitude of give it a go, have a crack and see where you end up.”
He was a member of the Australian team that contested the World Championships in Portugal earlier this year and whilst Tokyo had been very much on his radar, he admitted that the decision to step away had taken place quickly.
“I just came to a very clear realisation that this wasn’t what I wanted to do anymore,” he said. “For me personally, selection requires undivided commitment and at this stage of my life, there are other areas that I’m eager to explore.”
In reflecting on his career, Bird was also quick to acknowledge the wide range of support afforded to him both locally and through the national program.
“I’m so grateful to my parents, my three siblings, my fiancée and my extended family both here and over in South Africa.
“I’d like to thank my coaches Ramon Andersson and Michael Pond, my long time doubles partner and friend Jesse Phillips, the WA Institute of Sport and Paddle Australia – and all of the support staff within both who have helped me over my career,” Bird said.
With a wedding on the horizon and a University degree also well advanced, Bird said he looked forward to the new opportunities ahead.
“I am extremely excited at what life will bring. At this point I am very green in the world outside of elite sport. Any experience is going to be a learning one.
“I plan to finish my Psychology degree as soon as possible. Combined with my experience at Olympic level sport, I plan to use the degree to work in the sporting industry, specifically with young athletes.
“I might further my studies in a couple years after gaining some experience in the work force. I am getting married next year to my legend partner Hannah and who knows what this might bring? Perhaps a few kids? I will continue to stay fit by competing in surf lifesaving, and definitely dust off the kayak every now and then.”
Paddle Australia’s National Performance director Shaun Stephens said: “Paddle Australia congratulates Steve on a wonderful career. Steve has been an exceptional athlete and extremely professional in his approach to training and racing which led him to become a regular member of the Australian team and dual Olympian.”
“We wish him the very best in his future endeavours and would welcome his involvement in assisting the development of future champions.”
STEPHEN BIRD
National Teams: South African Junior Marathon Team (2005 + 2006), South African Junior Sprint Team (2005), Australian U23 Sprint Team (2008 + 2009), Australia Senior Sprint Team (2010 – 2016 + 2018)
AUS Team – International Results
2018
World Championships
B-final 2nd K1 200m – ICF Sprint World Championships (Montemor-o-velho, Portugal)
World Cup Series
9th (K1 200m) – ICF World Cup 2 (Duisburg, GER)
17th (K1 200m) – ICF World Cup 1 (Szeged, HUN)
2016
Olympic Games
8th (K1 200m) – 2016 Olympic Games (Rio, BRA)
World Cup Series
19th (K1 200m) – ICF World Cup 1 (Duisburg, GER)
12th (K1 200m) – ICF World Cup 2 (Racice, CZE)
2015
World Championships
13th (K2 200) – ICF World Championships (Milan, ITA)
19th (K1 200) – ICF World Championships (Milan, ITA)
World Cup Series
3rd (K4 200) – ICF World Cup 3 (Copenhagen, DEN)
6th (K2 200) – ICF World Cup 1 (Montemor-o-Velho, POR)
6th (K2 200) – ICF World Cup 3 (Copenhagen, DEN)
18th (K2 200) – ICF World Cup 2 (Duisburg, GER)
24th (K1 200) – ICF World Cup 2 (Duisburg, GER)
2014
World Championships
13th (K2 200) – ICF World Championships (Moscow, RUS)
World Cup Series
9th (K2 200) – ICF World Cup 2 (Racice, CZE)
10th (K2 200) – ICF World Cup 3 (Szeged, HUN)
2013
World Championships
10th (K2 200) – ICF World Championships (Duisburg, GER)
2012
Olympic Games
6th (K2 200m) – 2012 Olympic Games (London, GBR)
World Cup Series
3rd (K2 200) – ICF World Cup 3 (Moscow, RUS)
9th (K2 200) – ICF World Cup 2 (Duisburg, GER)
2nd BF (K2 200) – ICF World Cup 1 (Poznan, POL)
2011
World Championships
14th (K2 200m) – World Championships (Szeged, Hungary)
World Cup Series
8th (K2 200m) – ICF World Cup 1 (Poznan, POL)
8th (K2 500m) – ICF World Cup 2 (Racice, CZE)
9th (K2 500m) – ICF World Cup 1 (Poznan, POL)
2010
World Cup Series
2nd (K2 200m) – World Cup 3 (Duisburg, GER)
3rd (K2 500m) – International University Canoe Championships
3rd (K2 200m) – International University Canoe Championships
