After 5 days on the water and a morning training session,
yesterday was recreation day for the Team. As well as being World Heritage listed,
Krakow is also home to Poland’s biggest amusement park – called Energy Landia and with
an “Extreme Zone”, what could possibly be more suitable for a canoe slalom
team’s day off?! Happy to report no casualties – not even sunburn – and a good
time had by all.
The choice comes down to our Athlete Leadership Group – and with
Finn Butcher absent and Courtney Williams at a global family reunion, this one
fell to Charlie Bell. True democrat, Charlie set up a Messenger Poll, gave some
options, and away you go – Apocalipto or Hyperion or Azteca or some other mega
ride!
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| Charlie calls the Team to order, banging his spoon on a tortilla |
In fairness, the Athlete Leadership Group does far more than
decide the social programme. Over the past year, we have evolved a full terms
of reference for Athlete Voice, which has influenced things like the Athlete
Agreement, the mid-season debrief that will follow these Champs, and very much
lead the culture of this Team. At the final NPS camp before departure, Courtney
and Charlie skillfully led a group discussion on “how we want to be” – and this
ownership is holding true. Sincere thanks to the ALG trio.
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| The Athlete Leadership Group has been outstanding in leading the Team's performance culture |
But, back to talking things “Extreme” - we have submitted
our entries for the Extreme Slalom events here, and are pleased to be fielding full
Teams: MCSLX-U23 Callum & Jack, MCSLX-Junior George & Oli, WCSLX-U23
Courtney & Kensa, and WCSLX-Junior Hannah & Rivey. The ICF are pushing
for Extreme
Slalom to be considered for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, so have been encouraging
countries to max entries while the IOC do their scrutiny. With the event
entirely after the individual races here (Sunday
21 July) we’re gladly able to oblige. Rivey has even taken collection of a
new boat for the occasion.
Anyway, time to calm things down as we head in to the second
week. Back to two sessions tomorrow. Enjoy.
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