Message from Team Fiji - Thursday 24 September Back to news page

The following is a message from Va'a Team Manager for Team Fiji, Nathan Hildebrand.
September 23, 2009

Bula,

As promised, here is the first update from Rarotonga.

All the athletes have settled well into the village and we have been to the race site twice to train in the new canoes, as well as once from Avarua harbour to get a feel of the canoes in open water.

The paddlers were a bit unsure of the canoes with the high gunnels, and the pacer will have seriously bruised ribs after the 1500m! But they are used to them now and after seeing some of the other teams’ turns – we are very happy with our progress.

Tomorrow we begin competition with Heats for all 6 sprint events (M/W V1 500m, M/W V6 500m, M/W V6 1500m)

The teams were announced this morning and are as follows:
V1 500m
Natalia (Reserve: Courtney)
Mario (Reserve: Chris)

V6 500m
Maryann
Kim
Natalia
Pauline
Courtney
Lee-Anne

Kele
Winky
Stan
Mario
Johnny
Chris

V6 1500m
Maryann
Kim
Natalia
Pauline
Salome
Lee-Anne

Winky
Kele
Stan
Mario
Roystan
Chris

Overall the crew is in high spirits – they have been given the afternoon off to rest and recuperate.
Think of us mataka.

I will text results through as they come to hand, and will send a summary each evening (connection permitting).

Vinaka everyone.

Naca.