By Nicholas Borst

          For six years I have trained as a full time athlete with the Front Range Paddling Association.  I witnessed its conception, and have watched it grow from a group if five young and inexperienced athletes, to a paddling team that is setting a standard not only in our country, but internationally as well.  I have witnessed the building of its foundation, its character, and ideology, and am proud to have been, and still be a part of its evolution.  Ever since I can remember, I have had a secret passion, a passion to be the best, but more than that I have had a passion for the Olympics, and what they represent to the world.  

            The Olympics are so much more than the world’s most elite athletic competition. It is one of the only places and events in this modern and politically turbulent world, where people from all of corners of the globe can come together, put aside their differences, and compete with one spirit and one passion, the passion for sport.  This trip, and the exchange program that is emerging with China, and with other countries is the only other situation that I have ever heard of, that perfectly replicates that same Olympic experience. The same sense of understanding, and unity between people that is so rare and so precious in this day and age.  Yes I want to be an Olympian, yes I want to be the best in the world, but more than that, I want to share with people my passion for sport, and build a better and brighter future through unique environments such as this High Performance Camp.

            I live my life adhering to the Olympic ideals of vision, focus, commitment, persistence, and discipline.  I also and to a greater extent live by the Olympic creed, which states; “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win, but to take part, just as the important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle.  The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well…” I do this, because it is what I was amerced in as a member of the Front Range Paddling Association.  I have accomplished many of my goals in life by living this way, and I hope to continue to strive for those goals, using the same principals as my guiding force.  This trip to China, and the training camp that we will be participating in is another step that will help me to reach my athletic goals, as well as my personal goals of outreach, and community improvement through paddle sport. These last goals are in many ways far more important than my athletic goals, because without outreach, and without unity, our sport will wither and die.

            For five of the six years that I have paddled, and been a member of the Front Range Paddle Association, I have been a US National Team member, and have competed internationally in three World Championships, and a number of international races.  At home in the U.S. if it floats, I can paddle it.  K1, C1, C2, Slalom, Wildwater, Sprint, I have raced in all of them, and have placed very well in U.S. competitions, medaling in three national championships, as well as placing high in the 2004 US Olympic Team Trials.  Besides being an avid athlete, I also love to pass on what I have learned to others, so two years ago I began to coach for the Front Range Paddling Association, and other canoe and kayak teams.  As a coach I have had the opportunity to work with many different athletes, both from the U.S. and from around the world. I have been able to use coaching to not only deepen my own knowledge, and pass on what I have learned to others, but I have had a chance to build the sport and a chance build constructive relationships with athletes that will hopefully last for many, many years.    

            This international High Performance Camp signifies a new and brighter chapter in paddling and athletic history, and I would be honored and humbled to have a chance to be a part of it.  Having the opportunity to travel and experience another people’s culture and see how the world looks through their eyes is truly a unique chance, and one that we are extremely fortunate to have. Even though there are many differences between people, politics, and systems, there is one thing that we have in common, and it is a passion for sport, and a passion for the water. It is a binding force that we can use to work together to build a better future for our sport, and I thank those who have worked exceedingly hard to make this opportunity available to us. I am fully prepared to do whatever it takes, to work as hard as I need to in order to make this camp a success, I only ask that you allow me to participate, and contribute to this wonderful experience.  I look forward to having a chance to see you all in November as we open this brilliant new chapter in paddling history.



Most Sincerely,
Nicholas Borst