Team GB debut in kayak for Year 11 student

Year 11 student Frankie S recently had the honour of representing Team GB with the British Canoeing Kayak Racing Team in France (23 & 24 September 2023).

Frankie only started kayaking three years ago during lockdown on the canals using her Dad's 40-year-old boat and enjoyed it so much she joined Falcon Rowing & Kayak Club in Oxford.

Selection for the GB Team was made following the Marathon National Race in Norwich at the start of the summer holidays where Frankie placed 3rd, despite being knocked out of her boat and having to self rescue and chase down the leading pack!

Frankie juggles her training week of an average of 12 - 15 hours around school, often with early morning sessions, and has been steadily building her distance and speed. She attributes much of her achievement this year to the High Performance sessions in school that have significantly contributed towards her improved strength.

The marathon race in France included a K2 race (2 man boat) with her racing partner from Norwich. Racing up an age group in the U18s, the girls fought hard over 22km, which included four portages (climbing out and running 100m carrying the boat), only being beaten into 3rd place by the French teams due to miscommunication of distance which saw Frankie and her teammate paddle an extra 4km. The following day was the K1 races (single boats) and Frankie raced 19km, including four portages, and achieved silver place.

Frankie found it a wonderful experience and it has given her even greater drive to be selected again for future international races.