Russian ladies strive for Youth Crown

czech republic rafting ceske budejovice youth masters raft world championships russia women irf icf sportscene

The women’s Russian youth team have their sights set on victory at the Youth and Masters World Championships at the Ceske Budejovice Whitewater course, commencing this Saturday.

All four paddlers herald from a canoe slalom background and began rafting together in 2008, going on to win various accolades in their home country including victories at the Champions of Moscow and all-Russia Championships, firmly establishing themselves as the strongest women’s youth raft in Russia.

In 2010, the girls youth team won bronze at the Youth World Championships in the Netherlands, but this year the Russian team lead by Captain Alena Travinka, are confident they can win gold. The 19 year old said: "We will take nothing but a win."

Travinka believes their main rivals will come from the Brazilian, Czech and Italian squads, but feels their experience in slalom paddling could give them the edge.

Coming from a canoe slalom background I think we will be strong in the slalom and downriver disciplines.

The Moscow quartet has faced the challenging prospect of preparing for this event in swimming pools.

“There is no whitewater course in Russia, so the majority of the girls preparation has been completed in local Moscow swimming pools, other than a few training camps,” said Team Trainer Eugene Luric.

czech republic rafting ceske budejovice youth whitewater masters raft world championships russia women irf icf sportscene

“Despite that challenges that come with being confined to a swimming pool, the girls have been together for a number of years and I am confident that they can challenge for victory here.”

All four team members are currently candidates for Master of Sport grants for their achievements in rafting by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism of Russia.

Rafting

Links