When Rodion Tuigunov steps away from the water, he swaps his paddle for the camera.
The 23-year-old Kyrgyz paddler models for an agency in Bishkek - a hobby, as he calls it - but one that often helps support his real passion: Canoe Sprint.
A quick scroll through his Instagram feed reveals just how deeply the sport runs in his life.
Even during a five-hour delay on the way home after a one-month International Canoe Federation Talent Development Camp, Tuigunov could not resist taking the paddle out and finding an innovative way to train.
For many athletes like him, training and the right conditions mean everything.
“Modelling is a hobby. I make some money for training, which is great. But camps like this are what we need to push ourselves. I hope I can be part of it more often.
“The camp in Hangzhou was great. I have been training for about 10 years, and this is the first time that I have had the best conditions.
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“The boats from Peisheng were world-class as well. We also tried out the ergometers from Jiangyun Technology, which were super useful.”
The ICF’s Excellence Centre in Hangzhou, China, hosted a total of 40 international and local athletes, preparing them for various competitions with coaches Nichita Sergan and Ionel Letcae led by ICF Talent Pathway Manager Sebastian Cuattrin.
For Tuigunov, it was not the first time in the city as he competed at the Asian Games two years ago. While he was disappointed not to win a medal, he had a positive experience as he returned.
He praised the organisation of the camp and also enjoyed the opportunity to soak in the culture of Hangzhou.
“Seeing the other athletes helps us a lot as we get ready for competition. Many of them in Hangzhou could be on the starting line in Japan, and it was nice to test ourselves with them,” he said.
“I was in Hangzhou for the Asian Games two years ago, but I did not medal. That is why camps like these are important.
“My main goal now is the next Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya. I hope I can stand on the podium next year.”
Another young paddler, Samara Anthony Chacko of India, shared similar thoughts about the camps in Hangzhou.
With her father running a Sports Science Centre in Bengaluru, Chacko understands both the athletic and technical sides of training.
Juggling a dual career just like Tuigunov, she came to Hangzhou with a clear goal, which was a new personal best.
Having experienced the Development Camp at the ICF Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships in Milan earlier this year, Chacko was already used to the activities.
However, reflecting on the Hangzhou camp, Chacko said she looks at the sport in a different way now.
“This one-month camp changed my perspective and performance,” she said.
“The coaches and the programme were very well structured. It gave me exposure to how different athletes trained internationally.”
At the ICF Junior and U23 Canoe Sprint World Championships in Portugal this year, her timing in the K1 500m was 2:23.50
In Milan, she reduced it further, and by the time the camp wrapped up in Hangzhou, Chacko was clocking 2:10.
A huge part of that, according to her, was the coaches, but she also felt the boats from ICF Gold Status Partner Peisheng played a role.
“It was my first time using it, and it was well-made. It gave me confidence. With a new boat, it usually takes time to adapt, but I felt the ease from the word go.”
This new found confidence has led to new targets for Chacko, who hopes to fly the Indian flag high come the Olympic Games LA28.
“The ICF is proud to support development camps like the one in Hangzhou, which offer athletes not only the chance to grow in their sport but also to prepare for meaningful futures beyond the water,” said ICF Vice President Dr. Cecilia Farias.
“Hearing our athletes share their stories and passion is truly inspiring, demonstrating the resilience and forward-thinking spirit that our community values.
“This camp represents everything we stand for: high-performance training, international friendship, and a commitment to helping athletes thrive both in competition and in life.
“It is extra special for us that athletes were able to have the best experience at the last camp of the year and the first one held at the ICF Hangzhou Excellence Centre.
“Without the support of the city, organisers, the coaches and the Sports Bureau, none of this would have been possible.”
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