GOING THE DISTANCE ON DAY FOUR 2022 PA CANOE SPRINT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Beautiful conditions once again greeted paddlers from across the country to West Lakes for the 2022 PA Canoe Sprint Championships today.

Athletes tested themselves and their endurance, with the longer 1000 distance races the focus on the fourth day of competition.

For full results click here

For 12-year-old Carlito Vesely from Sydney’s Manly Warringah Kayak Club, the 2022 PA Canoe Sprint Championships has been a great opportunity for him to test his skills.

“I think this is my fourth Nationals now, and first year in under 14s – I’m just trying to beat the older kids and having a lot of fun at the same time,” Vesely said.

“I prefer the longer distance, the 1000s, because some of the older boys are a bit stronger than me, but I beat them in the fitness,” he said.

Vesely not only enjoys the competitive aspect of the spot, but getting to paddle in some beautiful places at the same time.

“I just love paddling, because you get to be on the water, and you can paddle anywhere you want,” Vesely said.

“You can train, and get fitter and healthier – it’s a good sport to do and it’s fun as well,” he said.

Hailing from Western Australia, Harriette Alexis has enjoyed getting to race again, and racing against her competitors and friends from across the country.

“I’ve had a few set backs in the last couple of months, so just to be here is really good for me and I’m really happy with everything I’ve done so far,” Alexis said.

“I love the adrenaline kick you get when you’re on the start line, and you just want to go really fast.

“I’ve had quite a few gaps between my races also, which means I’ve had a bit of time to watch my team mates as well which is good,” she said.

Having spent the last few years training in WA through lockdowns and COVID border closures, Alexis said it’s been great to reunite with the paddling community in Adelaide.

“I love the paddling community, everyone is so nice,” Alexis said.

“And even after not seeing everybody for the last two or so years now, it’s been great to get everyone back together again and it’s like we were never apart,” she said.

There is one more day of competition tomorrow at West Lakes. You can stream all the Canoe Sprint Championship action LIVE on the Paddle Australia Facebook Page. Daily photo galleries and behind-the-scenes content will be shared on the Paddle Australia Facebook and Instagram.

Keep up to date with all the results on our website HERE

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