Paddler Profile GOLD Digger by Ryan Stuart
In 1999 David Ford became the first non-European to ever win a world championship in whitewater slalom kayaking. After 22 years on the Canadian team, four Olympic Games, 13 World Cup medals and a national Male Athlete of the Year award, the Edmonton native is the most decorated Canadian slalom paddler of all time. Until last year’s Olympic Games, Ford was talking retirement; he was even inducted into the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame. “I wanted to win the medal put it in the trophy case and say, ‘You know what, that was a pretty good career,’” he said after missing the podium in Athens by just 1.5 seconds. There is now much speculation on the slalom scene as to whether the 39-year-old veteran is ready to be a plaque in the Hall, or whether he is digging in for gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
On rumours he will compete in Beijing in 2008:
After finishing fourth in Athens I felt like I still had some unfinished business. I have an eye towards going to Beijing and I’m going to put myself in a position to do that. The bottom line is, I couldn’t consider competing in another Olympics if I didn’t enjoy driving to the river.
On being the oldest member of the men’s slalom kayak team… by 12 years:
The amazing thing is, I’m fitter and stronger now than when I was 25.
I get to focus on very specific things in my training, instead of running 80 minutes of gates non-stop. That’s what you have to do to be competitive when you’re younger. My coaches and trainers tell me it’s all about my enthusiasm and passion, now.
On his goals for this season:
I want to win the World Championships in Australia. I have a really good track record there. I also want to feel out the new rules and boat sizes to see what’s going on with my competition. But I’m definitely building to win in Australia.
On the IFC now allowing shorter slalom boats:
Paddlers were skeptical, but it has turned out to be a great change for our sport. The smaller stadium courses are easier for everyone in the shorter boats so the paddling style can be more dynamic and courses can be tougher. Right now the boats range from 350 to around 377 centimetres. My guess is that everyone will be using the minimum length of 350 by next year.
For me, the change has gone amazingly well. I went to Australia in February and won all the races. It has really re- energized me and put a learning curve back into the sport. It’s exciting to be learning again after 25 years in almost the same boat.
22 //
www.rapidmag.com
Canadian slalom team fixture DAVID FORD has unfinished Olympic business
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