WITT ambassador Luuka preps for Tokyo

Canoe slalom athlete and WITT Sports Academy ambassador Luuka Jones is in Japan, preparing to compete in her fourth Olympic Games in Tokyo.  We’ll be following Luuka’s Olympic journey closely and cheering loudly along the way!

Here’s an update from Luuka, who has been in Tokyo training since last week.

“I am preparing to be in the best shape physically, technically and mentally for the Games in July. I have spent the last month in Europe training in warm weather and competing in two world cups which were held in the Czech Republic and Germany.

“It was nice to be back competing after such a long time and I felt good on the water. I didn’t achieve the results I wanted to in these races (I was 5th and 10th), but I had good pace and this gave me a lot of confidence.

“Now I am in Tokyo on a pre games training camp. This is a strict environment where we are only allowed in the hotel, or at the canoe slalom course. It is great to be back here and in the final stages of preparation.

“The majority of work has been done, months and years of preparation have got me here, in the best shape of my career so far. Now it is about fine tuning. I will spend some time familiarising myself with the white water course again.

“We move into the Olympic Village on the 19th of July, where we will join the rest of the New Zealand team.

“Whilst this will be a Games like no other, I am still really excited. The Olympics is such a special event, where athletes from more than 200 nations all from different sports and backgrounds all come together to compete.”

Luuka will be competing in the Women’s K1 and C1 classes. Schedule is published here so you can follow along at home!