Luuka Jones began kayaking on the banks of the Wairoa River, in her home town of Tauranga. Working in the adventure park in Waimarino, in exchange for kayaking lessons, exposed her to white water paddling and she loved it. Going on trips with friends and playing around on the river, she was unaware that this love would ake her a three time Olympian. Mike Dawson caught up with Luuka to find out more...
I don’t think I really knew the opportunities in kayaking when I first started. I just did it because I loved it. As I started to get better in the sport I was aware that some of the older paddlers were trying to qualify for the Olympics. It came onto my radar as something to aim for in the future.
What accomplishments are you best known for?
I am probably known mostly for my silver medal in Rio and being a 3 x Olympian. I also recently won a world cup medal in canoe slalom which is a first for the kiwi team. It’s nice to achieve these things but I have fresh goals I want to tick off.
Have you had any major Failures or setbacks in kayaking?
Yes, a lot. Though when I think about my kayaking career and the defining moments, a lot of them are the setbacks. I think it is important to fail in order to learn and improve, though its always disappointing at the time.
Did you have to overcome any fears to get to where you are now?
In slalom it’s mostly the fear of making mistakes on the course. It’s such a fast sport but requires a high level of accuracy and if you are a few centimetres off line it can cost you a lot. I really had to learn to trust my plan, preparation and my abilities on the course and not hold back.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your resume alone? I'm not sure… I’m a bit weird. I like hanging out with chickens in my spare time.
Who or what inspires you now? Who have been the majorly influential people in your life?
Denne historien er fra August - September 2019-utgaven av Adventure Magazine.
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Denne historien er fra August - September 2019-utgaven av Adventure Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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