So what’s been happening so far this winter? | Kimberley Woods
In October we had the Hangzhou China Super Cup which was an incredible experience and a privilege to be invited and have the last time in 2024 to celebrate what has been an amazing year with the other athletes. I then continued onto Thailand for a much needed break before heading home for the last race of the season: the British Open, where I became British Open Kayak Cross Champion.
With the winter season fully underway it was also a time to reflect and celebrate the successes of 2024 with the canoe slalom Oscars hosted by newly appointment Peak Team member Ben Haylett and partner Phoebe Spicer who put on a great evening for us. More celebrations came in November with Team GB Ball being able to connect with Team GB’s sponsors who help give us athletes the best chance to perform at our best at the Olympic Games. With these celebrations also came a lot of trips home to schools in Rugby to help inspire young people to go after their dreams, I showed my medals and shared my Olympic experiences and answered so many interesting questions and not one school visit was the same. To see the excitement on the children’s faces was the best feeling ever and to know they have a connection with an Olympic medal I hope they take it with them for a long time.
In the middle of November I had the amazing opportunity to achieve another dream of mine which was to turn the Christmas lights on in my home town in Rugby with two other Olympic medalists Chelsie Giles from Judo (winning bronze in Tokyo) and Lauren Henry from GB Rowing (winning gold in Paris).
Another INCREDIBLE experience this winter was taking a trip to Buckingham Palace to meet The King and also Princess Anne who I met in Paris at the flag bearer announcement so it was amazing to meet her again and talk about how when we last met I didn’t have my Olympic Medals but now I have 2, she mentioned how she watched the Kayak Cross racing and thought it was absolutely thrilling and manic!
Amongst the celebration we of course got back to training to ensure to stay fit and healthy as I am always looking ahead to the next year. Unfortunately, a new chapter will be coming to an end as my coach Craig Morris is leaving Paddle UK after 20 years and 12 of which I had the privilege to work with him. I was 16 when I first started working with Craig at the end of 2011 into the 2012 season and now 29, he has shaped so much of who I am as an athlete but also as a person and there aren’t enough words to describe how influential he has been not only to myself but anyone who has worked with or around him. He will be hugely missed going forward but has an exciting chapter ahead as he leaves Paddle UK.
Speaking of going forward we are already looking ahead to the 2025 season. The European Championships are back in Paris and with my pre-selection in K1 and Kayak Cross I know I will be on that start line. The 2025 World Championships will be held in Penrith, Australia where I will also be heading for winter training to make the most of the warm weather and the course to give myself the best feelings this winter heading into the 2025 season. I cannot wait to get out there and feel the best vibes and get some training in with a couple of Olympic Champions and having the team join me next month. There will be the Oceania Championships end of January and then the Australian Open in February, more opportunities to get some racing in before having to come home and compete in GB selections in C1 to fight for my spot on the 2025 Senior Team.
I want to thank PeakPS for every little bit of support they give us at Team Peak but also the younger community bringing young people in to paddle sport for what is it; fun, adventurous and something that gives life experiences no other sport can give you. I also want to give a warm welcome to the newest team member Ben Haylett who has given so much of his time to help others and coaching to help give children the confidence and skills to progress in the sport, he will be an added member to the team!
Working with PeakPS we are also designing a new Summer ST for myself with an Aussie twist inspired by the 2025 world championships, something to represent the Paris Olympics and words that had inspired me to chase my goals in the 2024 season. I cannot wait to show everyone the amazing handy work of the ST next year.
See you in 2025!
Kimberley x
