Barwon Heads kayakers impress at World Championships

Australia had 12 athletes at the event at Shaoxing from October 17-20, meaning a third of the county’s representatives were from the Barwon Heads Canoe Club.

This is despite the club being relatively small, and having only been started by Kate and Michael Leverett about three years ago.

Michael Leverett, who won silver in the 2001 World Championships and bronze the year before, said the club was a good group of dedicated rowers.

“We’re a very small club, but we train very hard. We’ve got a good group of young girls and guys.

“They’re doing very well, it’s very rewarding to help the young ones improve.”

Kate Leverett gave a strong showing in the K1 Women Short Race Final.

Ms Leverett came seventh out of 20. She took part in the World Championships five years earlier before putting her canoeing on hold to have children.

Her husband and Barwon Heads Canoe Club president, Michael Leverett finished 22nd out of 35 in the K1 Men’s race.

Mr Leverett showed that almost 20 years on he is still among the best, finishing in the middle of a highly competitive group.

Brendan Clarke raced in the K1 Men Under 23 and put in a solid display showing to finish 16th out of 28.

Maddie Lamb finished 23 of 29 in Race 1 of the K1 Women Juniors.

She also partnered with Emily O’Rourke in the K2 Women Juniors. They were not far from off their competition despite finishing last in their group.

Seamus Spanner from the club was also selected for the World Championships, but opted not to compete.

Next year’s World Championships will be held in Baerum, Norway.