National Team: Olympic / Senior
Hometown: Gold Coast
Current place of residence: Adelaide
Institute/Academy: SASI (Previously QAS as Kayaker).
Club: Currumbin Creek Paddlers Club
Coach(s): Cristi Florian
Nickname: Berni
- How did you get into paddling?
My brother started, become junior world champion and I would go and drop him off at the airport to go compete at all these cool places around the world. I thought that seemed like a great sport to get into. The creek was just down the road and I was already swimming and loving the board in surf life saving (as well as figure skating) so I added kayaking into the agenda and got hooked by making good friends and having an awesome coach in John Newton. - What has been your biggest accomplishment in the sport so far?
In the kayak it would be winning two ICF World Cup gold medals in 2013 in the K1 5000 and the K2 1000 with Naomi Flood on the same day and so many amazing K4 races with women I admire and looked up to.In the canoe it would be becoming the 2019 National Champion in the C1 200 and C2 500 and being selected for the 2019 Australian Canoe Sprint Team.In coaching I am so thankful to be able to spread the love for the sport in both Canada (Rideau Canoe Club) and Australia (Currumbin Creek Canoe Club) and with the Olympic Hopefuls Australian Team in 2016 and 2017.But overall my biggest accomplishment would be my comeback to compete in a different class of boat, the canoe. The journey to be able to do this has been wild. - What keeps you busy outside of paddling? What is your current Occupation and/or University degree?
I am a boat designer for Paddle Sports Design (Nelo), an artist, video editor and support worker for a sports woman I look up to greatly, Rio Paralympian Jocelyn Neumuller. Also exploring Adelaide, my new home. - Who is the greatest Influence on your career?
My brother Ken Wallace and first coach John Newton. - How would your best friend describe you?
Paddle Monster. Tall. Crazy. - Do you have any superstitions before a race?
I usually always have a drink bottle with me and sunnies on (no matter the conditions). I get nervous going to the start line unprepared if there is a delay. - What is your favourite course to paddle on? Duisburg, Germany.
- Previous National Teams:
2006 & 2007 Australian Junior Team; 2008 Australian Senior World Cup Team; 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015 Australian Senior World Championship Team
Instagram: @bernadettewallace @thepaddlersclub #creativerave
Facebook Page: Bernadette Wallace Athlete / Creative Rave by Bernadette Wallace.
International Results (A-B Finals)
2019
6th (C1 5000) ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships (Szeged, HUN)
4th (C1 5000) ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup 2 (Duisburg, GER)
16th (WC2 500) ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup 1 (Poznan, POL)
17th (WC1 200) ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup 1 (Poznan, POL)
