COLLINS MAKES A LATE TOKYO DASH
JACKSON PUTS IN THE HARD KAYAKER
JACKSON Collins knows the odds are stacked against him in his whirlwind bid to make the Tokyo Olympics.
But the faith of his family and success of his early ventures suggest only the brave would bet against him.
A former Gold Coast Suns academy member, Collins had dreams of an AFL career but persistent knee injuries derailed his plans.
Paddling surf skis was little more than a “hobby” for Collins when he was focusing on Aussie rules but he turned his attention to kayaking after the devastating news his footy career was over.
“The move back to the Gold Coast was purely for kayaking,” said Collins, who competed for North Bondi at the Aussies after moving to Sydney in a final attempt to break into the AFL.
“The Australian Institute of Sport main base for kayaking is on the Gold Coast and if you’re serious about kayaking, you move to the Gold Coast.
“That’s where all the hub is and all the head coaches are and the top group trains from.”
Collins will also paddle for North Burleigh in surf lifesaving competition, with the 19-year-old saying he had no thoughts about joining another Coast outfit.
“I’ve always been North Burleigh. It wouldn’t have felt right if I’d moved up and gone to another club,” he said.
“If you’re a serious ski paddler, there’s probably no better club to be at.”