Day two 500m

The weather didn't improve much today for the 500m events. Rishan lined up in Heat 4 against many experienced paddlers including Rachel Cawthorne from Great Britain. Rachel is young and extremely talented she is definitely one to look out for at the London 2012 Olympics.

Rachel Cawthorne Bronze Medal 500m.

Rishan managed another PB in her heat but it wasn't enough to get her through to the semis.

Robi and Rishan after her 500m heat.

Day one 1000m.

Race conditions were a real challenge for all athletes today. Rishan was in the 1st heat of 4 lining up against world class athletes and the famous Katalin Kovacs! It didn't take long for the nerves to set in but after a pre-race warm up Rishan started to feel more relaxed.

Going to boat control with coach Robi.

"Go for it"says Min Que of South Korea.

Rishan's race went better than expected because of the weather conditions. Her greatest achievements were her split times. Finishing in 8th place not enough to qualify for the semi final but with a PB, 5 seconds less than she did in Penrith at the Oceania Champs 6 months ago. Click here for an update from day one.

"Poznan Opening ceremony"

We arrived in Poznan on the 17th August after checking into our hotel we took the bus to the Malta regatta course for the opening ceremony. Rishan was honored to be the flag bearer for Samoa.

Opening Ceremony.

The night ended with a fantastic fireworks display and a little rain just to cool things down.

ICF Young Talent ID Training Camp/Hospital

On the 5th of August 2010 Rishan left for Poland to attend the ICF Young Talent ID Training Camp. Many young developing athletes from all over the world were selected and she felt proud to be one of them. The athletes had 10 days of intensive training and unfortunately she fell ill after 2 days at camp. Just as we thought the worse was over a blood vessel burst in her nose and she was admitted to hospital. The experience in hospital was really overwhelming and we were all happy when they let her come back to camp two days later.

Rishan missed a lot of the training and preparation for the world champs. All she could do now with only three days till competition was stay positive and give it her best!

ICF Young talent athletes