Dame Lisa Carrington Returns to Elite Canoe Sprint Squad

Dame Lisa Carrington has rejoined the elite Canoe Sprint squad, stepping in to replace the injured Olivia Brett. The eight-time Olympic champion answered a call for help from national selectors and is now in northern Italy preparing for the upcoming World Championships. Earlier this year, Carrington had announced her decision to abstain from international competition in 2025; however, her return marks a significant moment for New Zealand’s canoeing team.

General Manager of Performance for Canoe Racing New Zealand, Nathan Luce, expressed Carrington’s enthusiasm upon her arrival. “When I picked her up from the airport, it was like picking up a rookie,” Luce told RNZ. “She was excited to be back, like who wouldn’t want to leave winter and be back on the water in 30 degrees, getting back into it with your teammates and coaches and staff that you’ve known for all these years?”

Carrington has been part of the training programme this year, focusing on conditioning without competing in races, which alleviates any concerns regarding her fitness. “She didn’t hesitate to get on that plane,” Luce added. After just a few days back in the K4 boat with teammates Alicia Hoskin, Tara Vaughan, and Lucy Matehaere, Luce noted, “She hasn’t missed a beat, and as you’d expect with someone of her calibre and experience, it is a handy reserve to have in our programme.”

In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Carrington achieved remarkable success, winning three gold medals in the K1, K2, and K4 events. The K4 crew in Paris included Carrington, Hoskin, Brett, and Vaughan, showcasing a strong team dynamic that Carrington will now rejoin as they prepare for the World Championships.

Upcoming World Championships in Milan

The 2025 Canoe Sprint World Championships are scheduled to take place in Milan, Italy, from August 20 to 24. This prestigious event draws talent from around the globe, and Carrington’s presence in the K4 boat adds significant strength to the New Zealand squad.

The team competing at the championships includes:

– Aimee Fisher, Hawkes Bay Kayak Racing Club
– Alicia Hoskin, North Shore Canoe Club
– Emma Kemp, Mana Kayak Club
– Finn Murphy, North Shore Canoe Club
– Grant Clancy, North Shore Canoe Club
– James Munro, Otago Kayak Racing Club
– Kacey Ngataki, North Shore Canoe Club
– Kalani Gilbertson, North Shore Canoe Club
– Lucy Matehaere, Otago Kayak Racing Club
– Olivia Brett, Arawa Canoe Club (replaced by Dame Lisa Carrington)
– Quaid Thompson, Poverty Bay Kayak Club
– Scott Martlew, Arawa Canoe Club
– Tara Vaughan, North Shore Canoe Club

As Carrington settles back into the competitive environment, her experience and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role in New Zealand’s quest for success at the World Championships. With her track record and dedication, Carrington’s return is seen as a boost not only for her team but also for the sport in New Zealand. The upcoming weeks will be crucial as the squad finalizes their preparations for a challenging international competition.