DavidFlorence

Time out with…

Ella Walker caught up with the Olympic silvermedal slalom canoeist, and Lee Valley

regular, following the World Championshipsin Slovakia last month

How are you preparing for London 2012?I’ve been training on the London Olympic white water course sinceJanuary. The World Championships in Slovakia last month was the

first stage of Olympic qualification. The selection as to who will takethe place for Great Britain at the Olympics won’t be decided until

next April.

What got you into canoeing?I tried it on the sea one day when my uncle brought some

recreational canoes along to a family day at the beach. I loved itand, despite not being able to get the canoe to go in a straight line,

wanted to go again.

What do you love most about it?The excitement of paddling on big white water and I love the

satisfaction of training hard to perform well.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?Winning the silver medal at the Beijing Olympics was very special

to me.

What other sports do you enjoy watching or playing?I like watching rugby, especially the Six Nations and am looking

forward to the World Cup too this year. I love snowboarding andenjoy playing tennis. I’m quite into wakeboarding too, but don’treally go much anymore as I don’t want to risk injuring myself!

How do you stay in shape?My canoeing training is very intensive and keeps me in shape. Mostof my training is specific skill work on the white water, but it’s also

very physical and keeps me fit and strong.

Do you have to stick to a specific diet?No, but I eat healthily. Lots of fruit and vegetables, etc.

What are your tips for anyone interested in getting involvedin canoeing?

Go along to a local canoe club (they are everywhere) and give it ago. It’s a lot of fun.

Who in sport inspires you the most and why?There’s no one person that I admire particularly, but I admire lots of

top athletes who have really good, optimistic attitudes.

CB Magazine 10/2011

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