Carol Joyce has always been a water baby and very competitive, too. So, its no wonder she's found success in a sport like sprint canoeing. Carol is part of the SA Women's K4 team, also including Michele Eray, Nikki Mocke and Jen Hodson, that has qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The team is currently on a four-week training camp in Port Edward on the South Coast, until the 8^th of Dec. Carol spoke to gsport about the strength of sprint canoeing here and internationally, how the Women's K4 team secured qualification for the Olympics, and the team's plans leading up to the Olympics.

Carol, how did the Women's K4 team qualify for the Olympics?

In August this year, the SA K4 raced at the Sprint World Championships in Duisburg, Germany; this was the Olympic qualification event and the one chance for the SA women's K4 to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

We had to finish in the top 6 or if Australia/ New Zealand came in the top 6 we could still qualify by coming in the top 14 according to the continental qualification criteria. It was very close racing, Australia came 6^th in the A final and we finished 3^rd in the B final, placing us 12^th overall and therefore securing a berth for the Games. 

How would you rate the South African Women's K4 team's medal chances at next year's Olympics?

It's really hard to say! We are training incredibly hard and improving all the time, but then so are our competition!!! We will certainly do everything we can in order to get on the podium but I think a top 6 finish at the Games would be a fantastic achievement for our crew! 

What is the standard of sprint canoeing among women internationally?

As it is an Olympic discipline, the standard of sprint canoeing among women internationally is at the highest level! Perhaps it does not match the men in numbers but certainly in quality.

To what do you attribute the growth and success of sprint canoeing in South Africa?

The Olympic spirit is growing in South Africa; we've had some great results from various sporting disciplines at the last few Games, including canoeing!

Our national sprint team has had some awesome results at the last few World Championships and this is encouraging for others who are realising that the Olympic dream is attainable and are focused and determined to make it a reality! We have a really dedicated training squad and there is a good support structure which has enabled the sport to grow.

  What is the Women's K4 team's schedule in the build-up to Beijing?

We are currently on a four-week training camp in Port Edward on the South Coast, until the 8^th of Dec. We will continue with our base training phase until the end of January in Gauteng and then head back to Port Edward in Feb/March for another four-week camp where the K4 crew can train together in the boat for the first time since August.

  This will be an exciting time as we will hopefully feel an improvement from our base training phase. We have local trials and SA Champs in April and then head off to race in Europe in May/June in preparation for the Games. We will be in Europe until the end of July and then we'll travel to China at the beginning of August 2008. Racing starts around the 19^th for us. 

  Where does your love for canoeing come from?

My sister encouraged me to start paddling about 12 years ago and I have always been a water baby and very competitive; canoeing allows me to express both of these characteristics. It was a school sport and I spent many hours on the river, training and playing. I have raced in most of the rivers in the country and have now represented SA at sprint and marathon paddling. It is my life!

  What is your advice to women who would like to break into this sport?

Canoeing generally is a lot of fun and can be enjoyed at many levels. It can be very social or competitive - provincially, nationally and internationally. There are many disciplines to be explored, river racing, slalom, white-water, marathon, sprinting, the latter being our discipline.

Canoeing South Africa is the federation to contact in order to get involved. You can visit the website www.canoesa.org.za

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Bruce  - Well done Karel.   |2007-12-03 18:58:07 My daughters need another strong female role model and Carol (Karel to us!) is just that women. Keep it up Karel. Bruce, Heather, Isabella, Sophia & Olivia. Reply 2   1

Stuart  - Go for Gold!   |2008-01-18 16:07:25 Great article Carol! We wish you all the best in your push for Beijing 08! We follow your progress with great interest. Keep up the good work, Stu & Son Reply 0   0

Patrick  - Mr   |2008-02-10 15:06:12 August approaches - keep up the good work! Reply 0   0

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