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Leeds kayak champ goes for world glory
LEEDS kayaking champ Claire O'Hara is hoping to be on the crest of a wave when she goes for glory in the world championships.
At the last contest in 2007, British champion Claire came within touching distance of the coveted gold medal but a freak water surge dashed her chances and she had to settle for silver.
Now, though, Claire, 27, is determined to go for gold in Switzerland in September.
She said: "I came so close last time so I really would love to get it this year – it is the absolute pinnacle of what you can achieve.
"The world championships only come round every two years so I've had to wait quite a long time for the opportunity to have another go.
"Training is going well, though, and all things considered, I should have a decent chance."
Claire, who lives in Meanwood, is the current British and European Freestyle Kayak champion.
The World Freestyle Kayaking Championships, this year being staged in Thun, in Switzerland, is the only competition at which she has not yet taken gold.
Claire said: "It's the big one. It's the one everyone wants."
Claire has been kayaking for 12 years, competing for seven years and been on the British team for four.
Because kayaking is not an Olympic sport, however, Claire receives little financial help.
She has to raise money through sponsorship deals and pays for her living costs as a part-time sports co-ordinator at Notre Dame Sixth Form College in Leeds.
She trains on rivers up and down the country but also does pool-based practice at Leeds Metropolitan University, where she studied for a degree in sports and recreation development.
The Village Hotel in Headingley has given her free gym time and, most recently, the Volkswagen Van Centre West Yorkshire has provided a van which will be emblazoned with her name and Great Britain colours and used to get her and her equipment to the event.
Claire said: "I'm really grateful to everyone who helps me. I couldn't do it without them. I hope I make them proud."
A fundraising coffee morning and tombola will take place at the Meanwood Institute on Green Road on Thursday, August 13 from 10am to noon. Entry is 1, including a coffee.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -2 C to 1 C
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