Health and safety is top priority as postponement of 2020 Olympics impacts Balmy Beach Club athletes
By MARY BETH DENOMY
The decision to move the 2020 Olympics to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic has had a direct effect on a number of elite Balmy Beach Club (BBC) Olympic and Paralympic contenders.
Last fall, two paddlers qualified their boats for Tokyo, including Nick Matveev a member of the men’s Canadian K4 (kayak, four-person crew) and Courtney Stott who is a member of the women’s K4. Andrea Nelson qualified for the Paralympics in paracanoe.
Elite kayakers Cameron Lowe and Eric Ellery are also in the hunt for an open spot on the Olympic team. And, past Paralympian Erica Scarff is poised to secure a position.
“This is a very emotional time for our athletes,” said BBC Commodore Eleanor McIntyre. “Especially when our athletes have had their eye on the prize for so long.”
“However, competitors at this level have spent years training mentally and physically,” she added. “Sport teaches you to deal with adversity and move forward – they are so resilient.”
Nick Matveev commented on Instagram saying, “The goal is still the same but we’ll have to be patient for now.”
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