Injured Ella braves it

Despite disappointing performances by solo Cook Islands canoeist Ella Nicholas at the Canoe Slalom World Champs in Slovenia – Nicholas was a great ambassador for the sport and the Cook Islands.

Nicholas represented the Cook Islands at the championships, competing against some of the world’s best canoeist from 48 countries.

But an injury four days before the race, when Nicholas rolled in huge rapids at the beginning of the course, had been causing the athlete grief.

And despite sustaining a neck and back injury from the incident – Nicholas bravely battled on and raced in the new international class of women’s C1.

Heavy rains in Slovenia have caused delays in the event which hasn’t helped Nicholas’ campaign.

Nicholas plans to finish the university year and then get back into training over summer both at Kaituna near Rotorua and Penrith, Australia in preparation for next year’s Oceania champs, Australian Open and Olympic qualifications.