Guy Dresser | Royal Canoe Club - New Zealand Olympic kayaking champion Lisa Carrington is getting back into lifesaving next month. The 23-year old gold medalist from London will be competing in Adelaide, Australia – her first competitive outing since she won the 200m K1 event at the Games.

Carrington was one of several former lifesavers to qualify for the Games – several kayakers and swimmers made it this time for New Zealand and Australia, and previous Games have seen similar successes for ex-surf lifesavers, who benefit from years of intensive cardiovascular training as swimmer canoeists.

The Olympic champ told a New Zealand paper she’s looking forward to the challenge as it’s not her main sport and so there’s less pressure on her to do well – though doubtless other competitors will be trying to gain an Olympic scalp by beating her.

“The worlds have been in my mind since earlier in the year, giving me something else to aim for and to get excited about,” Carrington explained. “Because surf isn’t my main sport now, there’s a bit less pressure and it’s also about getting back to basics and remembering why I started paddling, so I can keep motivated.”

Carrington last won the national ski race title in 2011 and will be competing against several Olympic rivals, including Australia’s Naomi Flood and Hannah Davis.

10-01-2012 Interview with 200 meter World Champion Lisa Carrington

11-08-2012 Ed McKeever and Lisa Carrington win inaugural K1 200m gold medals