Flatwater centre water anything but flat
Paddlers battle wind, wind-whipped waves on Day 1 of sprint canoe, kayak championships
Championships wasn’t necessarily the other paddlers, it was winds swirling up 50 km/h that made navigating the Welland International Flatwater Centre’s North Course extremely difficult.
Upwards of 1,000 athletes, including 16 from the South Niagara Canoe Club, host club began five days of intense competition with canoe and kayak singles at three distances: 200 metres, 500 metres, 6,000 metres,
Paddlers showed tremendous perseverance and determination battling the wind – and the windwhipped waves – through 68 heats and 32 finals.
“It’s very difficult to manage winds like (Tuesday’s). It takes incredible concentration but, above all, it takes mental strength,” said Mark Granger, national development coach for Canoe Kayak Canada, the sport’s governing body.
“It’s a pity to have such tough conditions at the Canadian championships, but it’s part of the sport, and the athletes have to be prepared for that.”
Granger said that it’s particularly challenging for canoeists to steer their boats when the winds are blowing so strongly from one side. See FLATWATER
England record-scorer Wayne Rooney called time on his often tempestuous international career on Wednesday, retiring from duty after spurning an offer to return to the squad.
“I believe now is the time to bow out,” the former England captain said in a statement. “I will always remain a passionate England fan.”
A return to form since leaving Manchester United to go back to Everton in the off-season had seen England manager Gareth Southgate approach Rooney about returning for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. But the 31-year-old striker has decided to focus on his club career, quitting England duty with a record 53 goals in 119 appearances — more than any other outfield player.
“It was great Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that,” Rooney said. “However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.
“It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me. Playing for England has always been special to me. Every time I was selected as a player or captain was a real privilege and I thank everyone who helped me.”
Rooney never progressed beyond the quarterfinals of a tournament with England and his struggles on the international stage often saw him cast as the fall guy for his country’s inability to come close to adding to its solitary title in the 1966 World Cup.
“One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side,” Rooney said. “Hopefully the exciting players Gareth is bringing through can take that ambition further and I hope everyone will get behind the team. See ROONEY