Four students from Great Lakes College travelled to Lake Eildon in Victoria to compete in the Australian National Canoeing Championships from January 4-7.
Breanna Truett, Alex Fiebig, Miah Kellett and Jock Sweeney made up four of the 18 paddlers chosen to represent NSW in the championship event.
The team had great success, proudly bringing home two bronze medals, one silver and one gold.
The event saw competitors travel from WA, Tasmania and Victoria to take part in a range of races, including whitewater sprints and individual and team slalom events.
Breanna Truett claimed gold in women’s whitewater sprint, as well as bronze in the women’s K1 slalom, and bronze in C2 mixed slalom with Jock Sweeney.
Alex Fiebig was awarded the silver medal in the men’s whitewater sprint, and Miah Kellett competed on day one in her individual K1 slalom event, but was forced to retire after falling ill on the trip.
The parents of the competitors were very proud of the efforts of their children, along with coach, Phil Koch.
“Although the rapids were a challenge at certain points, the students’ training, dedication and true grit kicked in, and they reaped the rewards,” Phil said.
Students in years 7-12 who have an interest in trying their hand at canoeing are invited to attend a first free practice session with the group, which holds training on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-5pm.
Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Mr Phil Koch at Great Lakes College Forster Campus on 6554 6062.
Canoeing can also be chosen for school double sport for students in years 9 and 10.
