Canoe Slalom NZ Junior & U23 Teams : HAIRCUTS AND HISTORY

My roommate just walked in with a new haircut – no mean feat when checking out barber’s shops in Polish. He had to visit 3 before someone would serve him, even though they were empty. Anyway, it’s now become a mission among some of the older guys, and even rumour of a Pierre beard-trim. Not surprising with some of the local barber shop offers available. Watch this space.

Krakow variation on short back and sides

Lotte bravely sought grated cheese for last night's Bolognese

These banalities of daily life are of course necessities when on the road for so long, and members of the team have been away from home for up to three months already now. So haircuts, laundry, SIM cards, even trying to sterilise a toothbrush, all come in to play. What did we do before google translate?

Rooming combinations are of course critical when staying even 3 weeks in close quarters. While there’s a lot of thought behind the arrangements, the biggest factors are tolerance and humour. I popped in on the youngest pairing yesterday (George and Taylor), and amazingly for teenage boys, could still see the floor! Oh, and (I never thought I’d say this) Jack’s travelling X-Box is a sought-after boon!

Taylor proudly shows how to foil mum's pleas to tidy up

That said, the there’s been far more debate and contention around the “500” combinations, and more on that another day …..

I got an email yesterday after re-opening this blog, someone reminiscing reading some of the old posts – truly a great history to capture. It is my privilege to be among the succession of managers for this team, and big shout out to co-manager Julie Harris who is such a hit. Here’s a photo from the very first blogs in Prague in 2007 – recognise any of this crew?

Wenceslas Square, Prague, 2007

I sat with Finn Butcher yesterday, stopping by before heading home for mid-season break, and reflecting on his successes, frustration and determination from the first World Cups. He commented how the Team’s performance culture had progressed gradually over the years, with a real focus among today’s group. With a nutritionist-designed menu, resident massage therapist, gym, video review, and (I say again) expert coaching team, it’s a great set up. What also enriches me is that, with this all being self-resourced, there’s a complete lack of hand-out mentality so often now in high-performance sport.

Off to the river now where the real work is done. Enjoy.