After a rapid rise to the top of Canoe Sprint, Nevin Harrison seemed to just be getting started.
The American won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, became the first woman from the United States to claim an Olympic Canoe Sprint title, and added double world success before turning 23.
But after years spent competing at the highest level, Harrison made the decision to step away from the sport entirely following the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Now, after a year away from international competition, Harrison is back on the startline at the International Canoe Sprint Canoe Sprint World Cup in Szeged, Hungary.
“I definitely have a mix of emotions coming back,” Harrison said.
“I [unofficially] decided to retire after Paris. I was unsure if I was going to come back, but the stars aligned.”
Harrison’s rise in Canoe Sprint came early. She qualified for her first Olympic Games at just 17-years-old, quickly becoming one of the leading names in women’s canoe.
The intensity of that journey eventually caught up with her.
“I think gaining that much success and momentum at such a young age really burnt me out,” said Harrison.
“By the time I was 22/23 I was so exhausted from competing, I just needed to take a step away.”
For the first time in years, Harrison allowed herself to live without the constant demands of training and racing. The year away became a chance to reset both mentally and physically.
“I took a year off for me,” she said.
“I did a lot of pilates, I ran a half-marathon, I surfed, travelled and just got to live my life.
“I got to sleep in every morning, hang out with my friends, and experience a normal life that I had missed all that time.”
She even spent some time bartending “one or twice a week for a bit of fun – and extra money.”
The break also gave Harrison perspective on what she still wanted from the sport and how she wanted to approach the next stage of her career.
“I realise at 23 now – I’m ready to do one more quad at least.
“LA28 is a huge amount of motivation because this time I’m really doing it for me.
“I decided to come back on my terms and in my own way.
“Having the Olympic Games in my own country is a huge deal and I’m so excited to be doing it an hour and a half north of my house,” she said.
Now back in Szeged, Harrison returns with a renewed appreciation for the sport and the balance she found during her time away.
“I’m nervous and excited [to compete again].
“It’s nice to see old friends from other countries and my own.
“I’m really excited to come back and represent the USA again,” said Harrison.
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