John MacLeod has had a long and successful canoeing career, as an athlete, a coach and an administrator. And this month the 73-year-old added another achievement to his already over-crowded CV – a lucky-draw winner in the ICF paddle challenge.
John picks up for himself prizes from our sponsors, including a new canoe from Rotomod.
An Olympic slalom athlete, Olympic coach and Olympic team manager, John was also instrumental in the success of both the canoe slalom and canoe sprint events at the London 2012 Olympics.
John saw the ICF Paddle Challenge as an opportunity to push himself after the frustrations of the pandemic shutdown. The ICF’s partnership with international organization, Peace and Sport, was an added incentive for John.
He urged everyone who enjoys paddling, no matter what discipline and no matter what their ability, to sign up and give the challenge a go.
He told the ICF of his motivations.
There is nothing like feeling some pressure to bring in a result however modest that result may be! Clearly using a result based on GPS there was going to be informality, but then that's part of the fun and a learning process; a win win to me.
'Not too serious' was the attitude, but in front of me on offer was a moment to focus on a result, a start line simulation, plus I have been sitting the boat well which is half the battle!
For me personally the age group comparisons are a key motivator. Working through personal achievements and gains is another. There's room for everyone to have a go, whatever boat they paddle, the age groupings offer a meaningful challenge for all.
Apart from that the competitive nature of elite athletes not wishing to participate thus openly declaring their pace is understood, even appreciated to allow others a way in. My training varies between run/swim/bike/kayak which makes for an overall excellent whole body workout, a hard session in the kayak one day then rest off that and go for the bike, love it; being older means rest more and be careful not to stress isolated muscle groups
'Peace and Sport' as a partner clinched my participation as sport grips younger people and offers a great influential opportunity to pull society together. This is the way to go. My 'canoe experiences' the world over have had left me admiring both how competitively focussed and yet gracious the underfunded athletes are and what a fantastic contribution the ICF Development Programme makes on their outreach programme through the work of devoted and talented coaching personnel.
Congratulations John from everyone involved in the Paddle Challenge. And remember, there’s still plenty of time to enter and take part. Find all the details here.
Please also take the time to find out more about our partners, Peace and Sport, Rotomod and KayakSessions.
