Dreams become reality for development athletes in Poznan

Athletes from emerging nations are ready to seize their opportunity on the world stage after benefiting from a season-long development programme delivered by Paddle Worldwide. 

Over the past three months, participants across all five continents have made significant strides through intensive training camps, expert coaching and the opportunity to compete at major international events. 

The programme has provided athletes with access to high-level coaching and training environments, while helping them develop not only their technical skills but also the knowledge and habits needed to progress both on and off the water. 

The 24 participants come from Algeria, Angola, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mozambique, Nigeria, Peru, Sao Tome and Principe and Tunisia, with an equal split of 12 male and 12 female athletes. 

For many, the opportunity to compete at the Canoe Sprint World Championships in Poznan represents an important milestone in their paddlesport careers. 

Paddle Worldwide Vice President Dr Cecilia Farias was delighted to welcome the athletes to Poznan as they prepare to take on the world's best. 

“I am very happy because we have many nationalities from the five continents,” said Dr Farias. 

“We have reached 50 per cent male and 50 per cent female, which is tremendously encouraging for the athletes, particularly the females. 

“This shows that we are all united through the sport. 

“They have not only improved their technical skills, but also their habits around nutrition, injury prevention and the experience of training in a safe environment. 

“That is extremely important because it changes the culture and approach to the sport and enhances the values of Olympic sport.” 

For Tunisia’s Sabiha Ben Othmane, the chance to compete at the World Championships is a source of immense pride and an opportunity to represent her country on the biggest stage. 

“It means a lot to me personally, as it’s an opportunity to represent my country, compete at the highest level, and make my family and teammates proud,” said Ben Othmane. 

“I’m grateful for the trust and support that has allowed me to be part of the team. 

“Being part of the development camp has taught me a lot, both on and off the water. I’ve learned the importance of discipline, consistency, teamwork and maintaining a positive mindset. 

“Training alongside other talented athletes has also pushed me to challenge myself and identify areas where I can continue to improve. 

“Overall, the camp has helped me grow as an athlete and given me valuable experience that I can take into the World Championships.” 

For Peru’s Johana Ariana Padilla Rivera, competing at the World Championships fulfils a childhood dream and provides an opportunity to put the lessons learned through the programme into practice. 

“I am very happy and very grateful to everyone who supported me through the ups and downs of my paddling career,” said Padilla Rivera. 

“Now, with great respect and gratitude, I will compete, giving my all. 

“At this camp, I learned that opportunities are earned when you truly want them, and that you have to seize and strive for those opportunities, those fleeting moments that life gives us in this sport. 

“I learned to lose, to be patient and to strive harder and realise my small achievements, but not to be complacent. I learned to recognise those small personal advances and understand that there can be periods of many lows, but you have to keep going.” 

Angola’s Domingos Pacavira has also embraced the opportunity, highlighting the importance of discipline and responsibility in achieving his goals. 

“It is an honour and a privilege to carry the colours of my flag around the world in the most important competitions in the world,” said Pacavira. 

“During the development programme, I learned a lot, but what marked me the most was the commitment that each one of us must have towards our responsibilities. 

“I also learned that discipline is one of the most important things for achieving our goals.”