KayakingNick Kirschstein Smith

How did you first get involved in your sport?

I used to do all sorts of sport from rugby to gymnastics; you name it and I have probably done it. My brother started doing slalom canoeing and I followed 1 year later. We did that for 2-3 years before switching over to flatwater sprint and marathon kayaking. I love it and I have been doing it now for 4 years and I hope to be able to do it at a high level for many years to come.

What does a typical week look like for you?

7am I get up, and I go training at 7.30am. I train for 1 hour. I then help out in the office at home until 12pm. I then go for a run for 20-40 min. 1pm I have lunch and then help out in the office again. At 5pm I go training for 2/3hours. Training consists of either a swim, run, paddle or gym.

What do you enjoy the most about being a sportsperson?

I always feel fit and healthy. I am ill maybe once a year. I am one of a few that have represented their country in a major championship. I have achieved something very special in my junior time which I will always remember.

What are your targets for the next 12 months?

To become stronger and increase my flexibility and stability in the boat; doing this will improve my technique which will then allow me to pull harder in the water, resulting in my times improving and me being selected again for major championships and perform better at them. My aim is to make the A final in either K1, K2 or K4 whichever I concentrate the most on. As I am a gap year student my time is devoted to training and with your support it will be possible to put in even more time and concentration.

What are your long term aims?

My long term aim is to compete at the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. To do this I need all the support I can get as it is going to be a long and hard journey for any athlete who wants to compete at this level. I also want to be selected and compete at the 2013 U23 World Championships in Canada.

How will your SportsAid award help you?

I will use it to buy myself a new/2nd hand boat and a new paddle; pay for accommodation, food and petrol money at national events and pay the required contribution for the international events.