Alana Nicholls
Jo Brigden-Jones
What does going to the Olympics mean to you? It means so much to be going to the Olympics - 11 years of dedication to a single goal, countless training sessions, the highs and the lows, the choices and sacrifices have all been worth it but ultimately the satisfaction of achieving such a challenging goal.
How did you feel when you made the team? Relief, excitement, proud, happy and realising on reflection how many people have supported and encouraged me through my kayaking career that helped me achieve my goals.
What are you looking forward to most about London? Racing in front of the world, the atmosphere of the Olympic spirit and being amongst brilliant athletes from a wide range of sports
Jo Brigden-Jones' Sport for Women profile
Jo Brigden Jones' Australian Olympic Team profile
Jessica Fox
It's always been a dream to compete at the Olympic Games and to have realised that dream at such a young age is really special. Representing my country, competing against the best in the world and experiencing everything the Olympic games has to offer. Not everyone gets this opportunity so I will make the most of every moment!
How did you feel when you made the team? Relief at first and then just pure joy! It was a tough selection process for us in Canoe Slalom because only one woman can compete at the Olympic Games per country (one event for the women and 3 for the men). I was ecstatic to have made the Olympics.
What are you looking forward to most about London? I don't think I can narrow it down to one thing! The whole village life, being a part of a big Australian team, racing in front of a massive crowd, seeing other events, just soaking up the whole experience!
Jessica Fox's Sport for Women profile
Jessica Fox's Australian Olympic Team profile
Lyndsie Fogarty
Canoe / Kayak 101
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Jargon buster
Kayak: This is the type of boat used by competitors who sit down in their boat and use a double ended paddle.
K1, K2 and K4: This refers to the class/type of boat, K1 means a kayak for 1 person, K2, for two people, K4, for four people.
Canoe: This is the type of boat used by competitors who kneel in their boat and use a single ended paddle.
C1 and C2: This refers to the class/type of boat, C1 means Canoe for 1 person, C2 for two people.
Paddle: Canoeists use a double or single ended paddle (sometimes referred to as a blade) Often this is mistakenly called an oar by the uninitiated.
Paddler: The common term for a canoeist or kayaker.
Spraydeck: A waterproof fabric cover that prevents water entering cockpit, it is worn around the waist of the competitor and then stretched taught around the cockpit when they are sat in the boat. This is not used by the C1 or C2 competitors.
Basic rules
Races take place in lanes, competitors line up at the start pontoons, where they are held in the starting gate until the start gun goes.
They paddle in a straight line towards the finish line and must not move out of their lane.
The competition will be run in heats, with the winner progressing straight to the final and the runners up having to go on to a semi-final.
This format will vary slightly depending on how many entries the event receives. Only one entry per country is available in each event, so competition for selection is fierce.
