The latest New Zealand gold medallists have returned from the Kayaking World Cup Regatta held in Duisburg, Germany, with the newest member Kayla Imrie also coming home with a Bronze in the K2 200m.
They left as a newly-assembled team, but returned as the holders of the K500 gold medalist.
Jaimee Lovett says, “It was a really awesome experience. We've heard the anthem a few times watching Lisa up on the podium, it was pretty cool hearing it for you.”
Kayla Imrie says, “Being first time racing on the international scene, and hearing the anthem is very surreal, especially being able to share the moment with your mates.”
The crew have only been together for 3 months. At last week's World Cup in Portugal the team placed 5th.
The quick growth and progress of the team showed as the crew took the Gold in the second World Cup.
Kayla Imrie was also a member of the K200 side that finished with a bronze medal.
She says, “Being new to the team, obviously I didn’t really have anyone to follow and lead me in that position, so the girls have really helped pick up that role.”
The third World Cup round is this weekend but the squad returned confident of how they currently sit.
Jaimee Lovett says, “Our intention was to only do two world cups. We're not seasoned veterans, so it is quite hard to back up weekend to weekend, and I think we got the learning we needed from the first two.”
The World Championships will be held in August, with the top 9 teams automatically qualifying for the Olympics.