Sydney – December 2013
Backtracking a few months, that this was the first trail
camp for which they would select the representative team. Here was the moment
where we would need to give everything if we want to prove we are the best in
the country. Each of us were sent to be billeted with other athletes also
trailing for the team. The each prepared
ourselves for what would be a rough couple of days.
In the middle of summer, harbour for which the trailing
began was hovering above 30 degrees and the pressure was on. High tensions left
little room for everyone to become friendly, it was more everyone sizing each
other up to see their chances. As competitive and day started, we went through
the basic trailing benchmarks under close watch and then we moved into the
dragonboat, racing various distances and seeing the power that is capable.
The second day consisted of single craft time trail races
(or TK1). This was ultimately the most daunting part, having to race up against
other guys and the fastest times are obviously the stronger paddlers. Each of
us went through our own turns racing, hoping we weren't going to race each
other. We luckily survived and proceeded
to race 2 km races in full boats. During this time, we were being watched
closely on our technique and if the overall boat was up to the ability required
to compete internationally. By the end of the day, you were already feeling
stiff and you knew that it wasn't over yet.
The final day was probably the most nerve racking day, there
wasn't much time to prove that you had what it takes. They were running more
single craft runs for those athletes essentially that were on the fence, and
this was myself and Adrian Liszczynsky. The final tk1 race was between us, my
heart sunk, knowing that I was up against such a close friend. I had to not let
this effect my performance and we both knew it was still a fight. Settling on
the start line, about to give it everything, wishing you both could somehow win…
The outcome was during the race, Adrian and the other
participant in the race crashed into each other and I came through to win, not
so much as an act of sacrifice but just bad luck. The final full boat runs you
could feel the raw power of what felt like a strong boat, with various people
being put in and changed around.
The camp ended and everyone became a little closer, learned
so much more the sport and teamwork and anxiously awaited to hear the results
of three days in the blistering sun. Christmas Eve, and the word was going out
that people had heard, and one by one more people cheering. I remember at 15 minutes past Midnight on December 25th with 1% battery left on my phone, I scrambled
to check my email to find myself successful. Both Adrian Andrews and Adrian Liszczynsky
were confirmed in the squad as we now began to prepare ourselves for a long
journey ahead.
