This year I'm leaving La Seu a little bit sad. The World Championships were the finale to the GB Olympic selection series and in the K1W category, whoever was the top GB boat was going to take the spot.
.
I raced the semi-final bravely, taking on the optional moves forwards, but towards the bottom of the course I lost a snippet of time and then a much bigger chunk on the bottom drop. It meant that, like the Euros this year, I finished 11th, just outside the final by 0.8 of a second and unable to take the GB race to the final. For the mathematicians who have been following, yes Kim and I both had a win and a 2nd place as our 2 best results to be used, but the tie-break was the highest placing at the World Championships.
.
So I will not be going to my 3rd Olympics, I'm leaving it to the younger hands to steer the ship. Kimberley Woods - Canoe Slalom Athlete, congratulations. There is a hairdresser in the Athlete's Village, but I'm not sure about getting your lashes done! Adam Burgess - Canoe Slalom Athlete (C1M) You're going to have to put that minimalism to one side when you get all that new kit! Bradley Forbes-Cryans (K1M) Better ask them to install a driving range in the Village? Mallory Franklin - Canoe Slalom Athlete(C1W) Sorry I'm pretty sure teal will not be a feature colour of the Team GB block!
.
I have secured myself the Olympic reserve spot, and I will be continuing throughout next year. So, no, this old git isn't finished yet!
.
For now, it's time to take Ricky home slowly, enjoying some time with the long suffering Lyns through France. Then for some much needed time off at home over the next few weeks but I'll be right there for all the UK races! π
.
Thank you to everybody for all the support throughout the whole journey and for all the messages over the last few days. Particular thanks for the support from The National Lottery UK Sport British Canoeing Glenturret @Vajda G'Power Paddles UK Peak UK and of course to the coach Gareth Wilson and training buddy Chris Bowers.
.
Let's go for the Euros 2020 at Lee Valley!
www.facebook.com/FionaPennieK1β¦