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Mary Flavelle
How’s the networking going? Call me on 07778 970668 |
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Hemmings moves step closer to Olympic dream
Anna Hemmings, Britain’s greatest ever female canoeist, takes her place in the Britain Olympic team and is in Beijing this month to compete in the K2 500m sprint event, alongside partner Jessica Walker.
The duo has had an anxious wait for the official confirmation, since winning the British selection K2 race and the European Championships B-Final in May.
On hearing the news, a delighted Anna said, “Both Jess and I are ecstatic to be going to Beijing. To represent your country and compete in the Olympic Games is every sportsperson’s dream and a great honour. We can’t wait to start the heats – it’s been a long wait but we’re determined to bring back a medal.’
Anna, who is six times world marathon canoeing champion, is sponsored by print and electronic media company, Pindar. She has turned to the Olympic sprint racing discipline in a bid to represent Great Britain in China. With the help of specialist sprint coach Miklos Simon, she has been training hard to build her upper body strength, including an intensive weight training and running programme.
This is not the first time Anna has competed in the Olympics. In 2000, aged 23, she reached the semi-finals at the Sydney Games in the K1 singles 500m sprint event. For 18-year old Jess however, Anna’s experience will prove invaluable to help guide her through her first Games. She also hopes to gain additional competitive racing at the European Championships next week, where she will be looking to defend her Junior 500m K1title.
Sprint racing is one of the two Olympic flatwater canoeing events. Women compete over 500m in the K1, K2 and K4 events. Team GB has yet to win an Olympic female flatwater medal so Anna and Jessica will be setting their sights on becoming the first Britons ever to bring home a canoeing gold.
Chairman of the Pindar Group, Andrew Pindar commented, “Pindar would like to congratulate Anna on yet another fantastic achievement. Anna is an incredibly dedicated and talented sportswoman and we are thrilled that after all her hard work, she has moved a step closer to fulfilling her Olympic dreams. We wish both Anna and Jessica the very best of luck.’
For more information, please visit:
www.teampindar.com
www.annahemmings.com
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