What happens when you’re at the top? Well, one of two things can happen: you can stay there or move down. And other than EJ’s amazing string of titles, the odds are tough. Finishing in second place at the World Championships this year was still a great accomplishment for me. The field of K-1 women was strong and those vying for top seed were all at a level of skill that could have put anyone in position for gold.

I was proud to sit in the eddy with the likes of Tanya Faux, Emily Jackson, Mariann Saether, Ingrid Schlott, Emily Wall, Fiona Garvie etc. Looking around the line-up of women it’s interesting to think about everyone’s background, training ground, strengths and weaknesses. There were waterfall hucksters, small hole experts, big wave ladies and everything in between.

So what is the best combination? I don’t think there is any one answer but I do know that playing the scoring game is very important: knowing the points of each move, knowing how many points your best ride can get you etc. Competition is a game and the best player holds the most knowledge.

I paddled well, I was prepared, I was strong and competitive. I held my position near the top throughout the entire competition, but came up short on the final day. It just wasn’t my day. It was great to see Emily take top honors. She is an excellent paddler who had an excellent winning ride. The combo of her and Nick with dueling gold medals is pretty amazing.

Highlights of the Competition:

-         instant replay on the big screen

-         jam session with the ladies after the semi-finals

-         watching Jason Craig take the Jr Men’s Gold

-         having Toby show up seconds before my first ride of the competition

-         being part of a great Canadian team

The whirlwind tour of the World Championships is over….for now, for 2009.

Thanks to Karen Craig for the pics.