Profiling the Australian Team - K1 Women

Louise Natoli Louise's most significant sporting achievement was placing 7th in the Athens Olympic Games. She has had a number of top 15 placing's over the years including a 7th in the Penrith World Cup in 2003. Louise was a member of the K1 Women's team to place 4th in the 2003 World Championships. Louise's technique creates a smooth, gliding paddling style. She uses the water well, creating an effortless appearance. Her gliding style makes her deceptively fast. She has been paddling whitewater since age 11, making her international debut in 1995 in the Junior World Championships in Wausau (USA). As a local to Penrith, Louise is experienced on her home course and knows the water well. Age 26 Occupation Social Work student at The University of Sydney Hometown Melbourne Residence Leonay, NSW Hobbies Playing with my dogs Who has most influenced your sporting career? Myriam Fox - she took me to another level Which people have inspired you in your personal life? My family - I love the way they live! Your training regime 5 whitewater sessions; 3-5 flatwater sessions; 2-3 gym sessions; 3-4 runs Most memorable sporting moment Sitting in the start pool before the 2004 Olympics Sporting philosophy or motto Put everything in so you can enjoy it at the end Ambitions for during and after your sporting career Work as a social worker. Have a family. Learn how to surf. What has been your toughest challenge or most difficult obstacle in Slalom? My passive, fairly uncompetitive nature. Best piece of advice you have ever received about Slalom Don't paddle like a snail!   Katrina Lawrence As a newcomer to the Australian Team, Katrina this year showed she has the ability to challenge the best in the world. She finished 7th in the qualification round of World Cup 2 and placed 11th overall in the Pre-World Championships in Prague (CZE). Katrina's most memorable sporting achievement before making the 2005 Australian Team was winning the 2001 Youth Olympics. Katrina has improved dramatically in the past few years. She is light in her boat with powerful strokes, and has a relaxed and competitive nature. Age 21 Occupation Environmental Science student at The University of Sydney Hometown Old Bonalbo, NSW Residence Emu Plains, NSW Hobbies Bushwalking, rock climbing, reading Most influential person in your sporting career My coach Myriam Fox; she taught me not to accept an average performance, but to strive for something better What motivates you to continue competing at an elite level? The fact that I am yet to reach my potential Tip on competition Concentrate on paddling well, not on results Your most humorous sporting episode Knocking a gate pole down in my first run of a Junior World Cup final, paddling over it numerous times through the rest of the run and holding up the race for 20 minutes while it got fixed. Which people have inspired you in your personal life? Both my grandmothers. I admire their open hearts and minds and strength of character What are your career goals after sport? To work in the environmental field, doing something meaningful and making a difference What travel destination is top of your list? Antarctica - I'd love to see such a beautiful place before it melts   Victoria Milne A determined and committed paddler, Victoria is able to put down a solid run under high pressure situations. Her most significant achievements include placing 21st in the individual and 4th in the K1 Women's Teams event in the 2003 World Championships. In 2003 she placed 12th in the Penrith World Cup. Victoria regularly places in the top 20 at international competitions and has proven she has the speed and ability to push her way into the finals, having finished in the top 10 in qualification rounds. Victoria made her international debut for Australia in 1998 in the Junior World Championships in Lofer (AUT). Age 25 Occupation About to start work as a PE and Science Teacher Hometown Melbourne, VIC Residence Melbourne, VIC Hobbies Rock climbing, running, coffee, photography General attitude to training The more sweat in training the less you bleed in battle Most humorous sporting episode Going backwards down the drop at Bratislava and landing on the concrete in the middle of the race Sporting philosophy Give your best and have fun Best piece of advice about Slalom you have received Stay flat, mistakes can make you stronger What has been your toughest challenge in relation to Slalom Learning to believe in myself What motivates you to continue competing? Challenge, the Olympic Dream, friends, travel Which people have inspired you? My Mum - her constant strength and love Famous relatives A.A. Milne, author of Winnie the Pooh Other Links   more on Louise Natoli   more on Katrina Lawrence   more on Victoria Milne		Louise Natoli Splash deck ... Louise Natoli tests the tough course in Athens ahead of her competition Louise Natoli at 2003 EnergyAustralia Canoe Slalom World Cup Louise Natoli - Augsburg, Germany Katrina Lawrence Kate Lawrence training - Augsburg, Germany Zlatan Ibrahimbegovic coaching Kate Lawrence - Augsburg, Germany Kate Lawrence training - Augsburg, Germany Victoria Milne Victoria Milne - 2004 Olympic Trials Victoria Milne - 2005 Australian Championship Victoria Milne training - Augsburg, Germany