KAYAK: Tokyo here we come - and the European heavyweights of kayaking better beware.

That was the upbeat message from Olympic debutants Alyssa Bull and Alyce Burnett after they fulfilled their dream by making the K2 500 metre final in Rio.

The Queensland Sunshine Coast duo, coached by Olympic medallist Anna Wood, finished eighth but an excited Burnett said: “We ticked our goal, we made our final, and while it didn’t play out as planned, we’re rapt and stoked to mix with the big girls on the big stage.

“Being the only non-European crew out on the start line in that final is a big achievement for two young girls, and for the Commonwealth.

“That’s a warning to them in the next few years - watch out.”

The 24 year-old, senior partner in the pairing by four years, said the next Olympics in Tokyo in 2020 was already on their radar.

“We’re both still young. We’re definitely keen to stick to this boat and see what we can do,” she said.

“We love training together and working together. The world’s our oyster.”

Bull admitted the pair needed to work on their strength and endurance “so we can hold our own a little bit more”.

“That will come with time,” she said.

“So we’ve got to knuckle down for the next four-year cycle. We’re not afraid to work hard.”

In the meantime the two kayak partners will become surf ski rivals for their clubs on the Queensland coast at Maroochydore and Alexandra.

“It’s good fun,” said Bull.

“It’s good to get a wave on rather than being on the flat water.”

Doug Conway
olympics.com.au