Hughes shows skill on Champion Lakes

LONGLEA’S Sophie Hughes was churning through the water at this week’s Paddle Australia Canoe Sprint Championships in Perth.

A scholarship recipient for February in Bendigo’s Sports Star of the Year award, Hughes was up against the country’s best at the aptly named Champion Lakes.

It’s the second scholarship award for Hughes who was also in the running for the Maxine Crouch Trust Fund for 2022.

In a brilliant start to 2023, Hughes captured six gold and three silver at the state sprint championships in Nagambie.

The gold medal-winning run for Hughes in the 16-under class was 1000 meters in 4:46, the K1 500 meters in 2:15, K1 200 meters in 50.87, 2500 meters in 13:48, K2 500 meters in 2:17, and the K2 200m in 49.26.

Hughes also earned the fastest junior girl award.

Part of a talented Bendigo Canoe Club and Bendigo Academy of Sport squad, Hughes has racked up many hours training at Bendigo’s Lake Weeroona.

Although there’s plenty of time on the water, Hughes also does gym sessions at La Trobe University Bendigo.

Among the goals for the nationals in the west were fast times and a top-six result to earn selection for a training camp.

Top two at the championships will progress to the Asia Pacific titles.

Canoeing/kayaking is now a big part of life for the Hughes family as Sophie’s younger brother, Alistair, and their mum, Belinda are now competing.