www.supportjohn.ca should be updated this week...but, until then here is a little video post which should satiate your appetites for the time being. It is a clip of my qualifying run in Beijing, China at the Pre-Olympic Test event.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5950948871377126306
Enjoy.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
3 Weeks Since my Last Post - Embarrassing
Well, I've finally returned to the my little online journal. However, I have some legitimate excuses for my lack of attention and negligent behaviour.
1) I was in China for two weeks where I was blocked/denied access to my blog, and
2) I spent the last week instructing a class at MKC (Madawaska Kanu Center) which had limited internet access.
So fans, can you forgive me?
A brief recap of my last three weeks is in order. The time in China was incredible. The course, the atmosphere, the Great Wall of China, the city of Beijing and our custom tailored suits were all very very cool and a great experience. The Pre-Olympic test event (which is why we went down there in the first place) went well for me - I finished 12th in the Qualifier and then 13th over-all. I made one mistake in the semi-final and on a very intense and high volume course such as the one in Beijing, recovering from my slight miscalculation cost me a significant amount time. Regardless, I am pleased with the way I raced and the training leading up to it. It was very nice to see my team mates James Cartwright and David Ford place in the top 5 at this race...both just missed the podium by a slim margin.
I spent last week leading a slalom clinic for Masters at the Madawaska Kanu Center just outside of Barry's Bay. The weather was uncooperative as we were rained out most of the week. However, in our sport, rain is good as it means more water on the rivers! This week was capped off by the Ontario Provincial Championships, where I paddled well and won the event.
Now, I am back in Ottawa....the first time in a LOOOONNNGGG time. I am here training and enjoying the company of my girlfriend. I am getting myself prepared for the long-awaited World Championships in Brazil. I am very much excited for this race and can't wait for my departure next Friday.
Check out supportjohn.ca in the near future....there will be updated video, pictures, etc!!!
Until next time race fans, keep fit and have fun!
1) I was in China for two weeks where I was blocked/denied access to my blog, and
2) I spent the last week instructing a class at MKC (Madawaska Kanu Center) which had limited internet access.
So fans, can you forgive me?
A brief recap of my last three weeks is in order. The time in China was incredible. The course, the atmosphere, the Great Wall of China, the city of Beijing and our custom tailored suits were all very very cool and a great experience. The Pre-Olympic test event (which is why we went down there in the first place) went well for me - I finished 12th in the Qualifier and then 13th over-all. I made one mistake in the semi-final and on a very intense and high volume course such as the one in Beijing, recovering from my slight miscalculation cost me a significant amount time. Regardless, I am pleased with the way I raced and the training leading up to it. It was very nice to see my team mates James Cartwright and David Ford place in the top 5 at this race...both just missed the podium by a slim margin.
I spent last week leading a slalom clinic for Masters at the Madawaska Kanu Center just outside of Barry's Bay. The weather was uncooperative as we were rained out most of the week. However, in our sport, rain is good as it means more water on the rivers! This week was capped off by the Ontario Provincial Championships, where I paddled well and won the event.
Now, I am back in Ottawa....the first time in a LOOOONNNGGG time. I am here training and enjoying the company of my girlfriend. I am getting myself prepared for the long-awaited World Championships in Brazil. I am very much excited for this race and can't wait for my departure next Friday.
Check out supportjohn.ca in the near future....there will be updated video, pictures, etc!!!
Until next time race fans, keep fit and have fun!
Monday, August 6, 2007
Canadian National Championships - 2nd Place
After a long absence from the blogging world I am happy to report that I am back. The latest news - A silver medal at the Canadian National Championships this past weekend here in Chilliwack, BC.
I dug a hole for myself after my first run at the Canadian Nationals. A touch on the last gate added two seconds to my total time and created a 3 second gap between myself and the gold. Unfortunately my blazing fast second run wasn't enough to catch the smooth and consistent David Ford. In the end, I missed out on the gold by 1.7 seconds.
This Championships also saw the beginning of something great, the Podium Prospect Award. This initiative, which was launched this year, saw both Female and Male, Junior and Cadet athletes race for nearly $1700 in cash and prizes. Simply, the athlete who compiled the most points/greatest results from racing in all of the various slalom events/categories won. I am very excited how things turned out this year and I am very thankful for all of the sponsors and individuals who helped get this Award off the ground. With more planning, I am hoping next years award will be even better.
Anyways, I am currently sitting in the Vancouver Airport just about to board my flight for Beijing. I have the incredible opportunity to test out and race on the new Olympic venue at the Pre-Olympic Test event in two weeks time. With the course opening for the first time to everyone, it should be pretty fun and exciting.
Stayed tuned....
I dug a hole for myself after my first run at the Canadian Nationals. A touch on the last gate added two seconds to my total time and created a 3 second gap between myself and the gold. Unfortunately my blazing fast second run wasn't enough to catch the smooth and consistent David Ford. In the end, I missed out on the gold by 1.7 seconds.
This Championships also saw the beginning of something great, the Podium Prospect Award. This initiative, which was launched this year, saw both Female and Male, Junior and Cadet athletes race for nearly $1700 in cash and prizes. Simply, the athlete who compiled the most points/greatest results from racing in all of the various slalom events/categories won. I am very excited how things turned out this year and I am very thankful for all of the sponsors and individuals who helped get this Award off the ground. With more planning, I am hoping next years award will be even better.
Anyways, I am currently sitting in the Vancouver Airport just about to board my flight for Beijing. I have the incredible opportunity to test out and race on the new Olympic venue at the Pre-Olympic Test event in two weeks time. With the course opening for the first time to everyone, it should be pretty fun and exciting.
Stayed tuned....
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