Toti’s very own paddle-powered Olympian, Tiffany Kruger
is settling back into reality after her extraordinary adventure to the London
Olympics in August this year.
Reflecting after the this auspicious occasion, Kruger enthused,
“My highlight of the Olympics would definitely be competing against the best in
the world, whilst having an enormous amount of support from all those back home
and not to forget the huge crowd support from the banks of the lake, one moment
I will remember for the rest of my life!”
Competing in a field of 29 ladies in the 200m Women’s
Kayak K1 category, the 25 year old sprint specialist was eliminated in the
heats, “For me the race was on another level completely everything you imagine
it to be you can multiply that by ten. The organisation was phenomenal and the
course was amazing, making everything perfect.”
She cheerfully continued, “Having had the opportunity to
compete at London 2012, I certainly learnt a lot and know what needs to be done
moving forward, that being said I am looking forward to Rio 2016 and all the competitions
prior to the next Games. I am excited to move forward with a new perspective
and a new plan.”
Having only arrived towards the end of the games, she
made the most of her time soaking up the experience, “The fan park was phenomenal
there were so many remarkable athletes present although I did get to meet
Olympic Gold Medallist in the high jump event, Ivan Ukhov, a real inspiration.”
“I had the honour of attending the Closing Ceremony. I
must say that it was one to remember being surrounded by all the top athletes
in the world, many wearing their medals around their necks, watching the
biggest concert in the world. It really brings unity and ended off with an
introduction to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games which I must say excited me the
most.”
Being back at home, the dynamite package had a month
break after the Olympics, “My life revolved around training and preparation for
London so it was really nice just to sit back and relax and do absolutely
nothing. Since my return, I have also been involved in a few events and fundraisers
which kept me busy and which I really enjoyed.”
Considered to be fledgling in the paddling world, Kruger
is eyeing out her next big item on her to-do-list, Rio 2016 is most definitely
on my list. I would also like to go back to my roots in the ocean and do some
lifesaving and surf ski paddling to mix it up.”
Her eyes light up when she talks about her passion, “The best
part of paddling? The scenery, we get to travel to some picturesque places and the
lakes, dams and rivers are beautiful. The people in the paddling world are
really down to earth and I have made many friends along the way.”
Having experienced one of the biggest sporting events in
the world, Kruger urges, “Anything is possible if you are dedicated and love
what you are doing. Never lose the love
for the sport!”
Asked what she would like for her legacy to be, she
confidently responds, “Passionate, dedicated and a role model to up and coming
athletes.”
Kruger is hoping to notch up another milestone in her career
that of a Guinness World Record where she, along with 5,000,000 from 96
countries will be shooting a hoop on 13 October as part of the YMCA World
Basketball Challenge Hoop Springs Eternal.
ENDS
