(Nic Borst and US Teammate Geoff Calhoun with British Team Member)
The Front Range Paddling Association fielded four athletes on this years United States Junior National Wildwater Team. These four young athletes earned the privilege of traveling to Vipinteno, Italy to compete in the 2004 Junior Pre-World Championships in Wildwater Racing.
Lisa Adams - K1-W, Perrin Pring- K1-W, Nic Borst -K1 and Tom Gray- C1 all fared very well against a very deep competitive and talented field. All three FRPA athletes accomplished personal and US bests in the event with Tom Gray finishing into the top ten in both the nonstop's and the sprint races. After the first sprint course Tom was in second by less than 1 second. Unfortuately, Tom had a difficult second run and finished in 10th place.
The best results for the FRPA athletes, however, were their interactions with the other international athletes and coaches. Tom Gray was given the honor of training and racing with the German team in the team races and Nic Borst competed with a member of the British team for the mixed Nationa team race..
The four FRPA athletes were able to form strong and lasting bonds with those who they came into contact. When these four athletes were questioned by the International community, they responded "we were not so much out to win the race but to win the respect of the International racing community.
The four FRPA athletes would like to extend special thanks Chris and Kris who were wonderful as coaches, Mauritzio (Italian Team Member) for his expert advice and good humor when it was greatly needed, as well, The "Wizard" Cathy Hearn who took time from her job as the 2004 Italian Olympic Slalom Coach. Two weeks before the Olympics, she traveled support the FRPA athletes and reconnect with her “"Home Team".”
The FRPA athletes truly enjoyed their experience and the international community can expect to share many more great experiences in the future.