YOUNG canoeist, Jacob Lines from Frome Canoe Club, has been chosen for a place on the England Talent Pathway in the sport of canoe slalom, which is an Olympic sport.
He was spotted at a competition on the Olympic Legacy course recently, where he was taking part in a division 2 kayak slalom race.
Pam Dixon, secretary of Frome Canoe Club said, “In a year of unprecedented standard across the country, the competition for a place in this training programme was incredibly tough. Jacob is one of just 11 young people chosen from the whole of the southern region, and so the inclusion in the Regional Talent Academy is a testament to the work put in by parents, coaches and Jacob himself.”
Jacob, who has been paddling with Frome Canoe Club since he was about 8 years old, trains weekly at the club, but now that he has been included in the England Squad, his training will ramp up. It will involve two weekends a month at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham and other sessions at the Lee Valley Olympic White Water Centre.
His coach John Kent said on hearing the news, “This is superb news. Jacob shows great commitment in all aspects of kayaking and really deserves this selection.”
His inclusion in this programme will offer him the best possible training opportunities and immerse him in a truly world class talent development environment. The selection is likely to have a significant positive impact and formative impression on him and other aspiring athletes in the long term, regardless of the level of the sport that they eventually achieve.
Head coach of the club, Rich Carter says, “This achievement is not only fantastic for Jacob but will also inspire other young people in the club, showing them what hard work and commitment can achieve. Well done Jacob!”
His parents, Phil and Christine say, “Jacob has learned so much from the many volunteer coaches that give up their time. Since he started competing, he has had so much support from his coaches, whether it be at training sessions, club coaching or competing at events.
“The club is a wonderful community, and special thanks must go to his coaches, John Kent, Chris Wilde and Ben Nicol particularly, but also all the other instructors for everything that they have done and continue to do to support him and the other children.”
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