Interview

Since starting canoeing at the age of 10 on the River Tyne, Sandra has enjoyed the wide variety offered by paddlesport. Starting off as a general purpose wildwater paddler she progressed to river racing, slalom and freestyle. Now she mainly trains for river racing but enjoys participating in the other disciplines when she can.

Sandra has been on the GB junior team for river racing since the age of 15 and has made great progress thanks to the help of coaches Michael Mason, Neil Stamps, Alan Tordoff and Nigel Jones. Sandra is a member of the TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) and would like to thank Colin Blackburn for his help in administering the award. Sandra would also like to thank Onyx Group and Tyne Valley Insurance for their financial help this year.

More about Sandra…

How did you first become involved in kayaking?
During the original Foot and Mouth outbreak in 2000 when most of the countryside was restricted and we couldn’t go walking and caving, my family and I took up canoeing as a way to keep fit whilst enjoying the outdoors.

Were you instantly drawn to wild water?
Yes, the thrill of whitewater kayaking always appealed to me much more than flatwater paddling.

What is it about kayaking you like so much?
The adrenaline rush you get from big rapids, the peace and tranquillity of the river and the sense of satisfaction you get after a hard training session.

When did you win your first race?
I think it was the 2003 Perception Wavehopper Challenge race at Prudhoe.

Did you join a canoe club?
Yes, I’ve been a member of the same club for seven years.

What is your typical day training?
It depends a lot on the time of year and what week, but generally, a river session along with either weights or cross training such as running or cycling.

What type of diet do you have to compete?
I just eat a balanced diet and avoid too much junk food.

Are you naturally competitive?
Very!

What is the highlight of your career so far?
Winning the Junior World Championships Classic race this summer, and following it up with a gold in the team race the next day with team mates Olivia Churchill and Hannah Brown.

What have been the toughest moments and how do you keep yourself motivated?
Winter training when it is cold and dark. I stay motivated by thinking of how nice and warm I’ll be paddling abroad in the summer, and how it will all be worth it come race day.

What is in the pipeline for 2008?
The Junior European Championships on the Adda river in Italy, and the Junior Pre-Worlds in Switzerland. Unfortunately I miss the senior competitions due to A level exams.

What would be your ultimate goal to achieve in kayaking?
To go and paddle some of the biggest whitewater in the world.

What advice would you give to up and coming wild water paddlers?
Just get on and paddle as much whitewater as possible and enjoy every moment of it. If your serious about it, train hard and it will pay off.

Who is your sporting hero?
I don’t have a specific hero, but I have a great respect for athletes such as Lance Armstrong who overcome huge setbacks to succeed.

Thank you Sandra for taking the time to give this interview.
Photos: Miranda Churchill