Junior World Championships

We're back in the homeland now after an exciting finish to the trip.

We had the pleasure to watch Alberta's very own Marissa Dederer and Bryce Shaw compete in the Junior World Championships. This is Bryce's last year before he moves up to the big leagues whereas Marissa has two more kicks at the can.

Both athletes competed well and had some good paddling on the day. Marissa was in good stead with her first run but just missed out of the semi-final, 43rd, due to touches on her second run. It was a good start to her international Junior career. At next year's Junior pre-Worlds in France we will be looking continued improvement. In 2010...lookout!

Bryce attacked with his usual vigor on the first run, but touches at the top of the course made it difficult to mount a comeback. To his credit he re-worked his plan on second run and made a go of it. He was 5 seconds faster overall on his second run, and more importantly confused the National coaches with his solid, good paddling.

A big Thank You to Alberta Sport Recreation Parks and Wildlife Foundation for their help making this trip possible. Their Above and Beyond grant enabled us to send a coach for our junior athletes.

This weekend is Alberta Summer Games in Medicine Hat, followed closely by the Canadian National Championships in Jonquiere, Quebec the following week. Keep checking for the results of your favorite athletes.