Wollongong schoolboy Scott Smith was one of two athletes selected this week as part of the canoe/kayak team to travel to Singapore in August for the Youth Olympic Games.

A specialist in flatwater – particularly the canoe sprint – the young athlete placed first in both his pet event and the slalom at the recent qualification trials in Penrith, assuring him of a place on the Australian team.

The younger brother of Olympic kayaker David Smith, Scott said he was ready to take on the rest of the world and work towards lifting his own profile in the sport.

“This will be my first time competing overseas," Smith said. “The first day there will be my first day of international competition.

“Coming up against guys from other countries is something I’m really looking forward to.

“My parents are keen to get over to Singapore too, they’re pretty happy with how things have gone and will be cheering me on, it’s all pretty exciting.”

Smith first got into kayaking four years ago after seeing his brother succeed in the sport.

“David has done pretty well, he was over in Beijing [2008 Olympics] competing,” Smith said.

“I started kayaking about four years ago after seeing my brother have a bit of fun with it and I guess I’ve followed in his footsteps since then.

“I’m into surf lifesaving so it helped out a fair bit with that too.”

Jessica Fox, daughter of canoe/kayak Olympians Richard and Myriam Fox, will compete in the slalom event at the Games.

There are six canoe/kayak events at the Games, with exciting variations to the traditional Olympic events. All athletes must compete in the Head to Head Canoe Sprint round a ‘figure of 8’ race course and the Obstacle Canoe Slalom for their boat class.

Canoe Kayak will take place at the Marina Reservoir, situated at the heart of the up-and-coming Marina South district, over four days.

Elliott Woods
AOC