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Jessica's Kayak Slalom Photo Album |
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Junior Team Trials was held in May in Golden, Colorado. This race would determine who makes the 2008 Junior National Team and competes in Czech Republic for Junior World Championships. This being my last year as a Junior racer ( I turn 18 in July) I knew it was an important race. I felt confident in my ability on this course; there weren’t too many difficult features, except for one big hole in the middle of the course. My goal for the race was to be able to paddle strongly and have fun!
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U.S. Junior Team Trials May 31-June 1, 2008 Golden, CO
As an 18-year-old in July, this will be my last year as a member of the U.S. Junior National Team. I will make the most of it in the Czech Republic!
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To prepare for the race, I watched the demo runs on video, and then I drew the course from memory on paper. Visualization is key for my racing. I mentally run the course while practicing the paddling motions. The muscle memory from practicing the motions will really help in the race.
I raced both my canoe and my kayak. There is no women’s canoe class yet for 2008, however Women’s C1 will be included in international races by next year. My canoeing skills have greatly progressed, however there is definitely much room for improvement. My kayak runs felt great. I was able to fully focus and lay down |
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the best race I’ve ever had. All four runs of the weekend were solid; my last one being really fast and clean. As a result, I made the team!
I am one of seven members of the team, and we will fly to Europe July 14th for two weeks. In Junior World Championships, there will be countries from all over the world represented. We will practice on the race site in Roudice nad Labem (about an hour north of Prague) for a week and a half before the race. There will be Open Ceremonies in where all the competitors dress in their country’s uniform and walk with their flag, it’s quite the scene. |
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There will be three days of racing which consists of Qualifiers, Semifinals, and Finals, and then the Awards Ceremony. I’m really stoked!
Now that I’ve made the team, doesn’t mean that I can take it easy yet. I really want to race well in Junior Worlds, so I have increased my training. I am running, biking, outrigger canoeing, weight lifting, paddling flatwater and whitewater to train for Worlds. Tom Schiller, a former racer and old time friend of my dad, has so kindly offered to help in my pursuit. He is coaching me and structures flatwater and whitewater workouts. He is just one of many whom have helped me along my journey in my paddling career.
Thank you for the support everyone. I appreciate it.
Jess
http://www.kkroudnice.cz/home-45/ Junior Worlds website
*Dad…
Some definite pictures to use for website:
DSC_3477 me kayaking DSC_3976 podium DSC_3978 podium DSC_4010 team shot |
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The water level on Clear Creek kept going up during the week. On the actual race day, the ledge hole was enormous, and was the scene of much carnage. This is me blasting through the hole. |
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I placed first with my best friend Sarah Kunz second and Emily Jackson third. Sadly, Sarah didn’t make the percentage cut and will not be joining me in the Czech Republic. My race in Europe will be for Sarah!
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The U.S. Junior National Team: Michal, Stein, Luke, Tyler, Zach, and me. We’re leaving on July 18 for the big race in Roudnice in the Czech Republic!! I’m stoked! |