Local canoeist Tony Bond is the prime example after driving across the country to compete in the Paddle Australia Oceania and Australian Canoe Marathon Championships at Ascot Kayak Club in Western Australia last month.
It proved to be a successful trip for Bond as he claimed the men’s C1 65-74 category and the men’s C2 65-74 category alongside Allan Newhouse.
In the C1 event, Bond completed the course in a time of 1.15:11 before combining with Newhouse for a time of 1.12:59 in the C2 division.
‘‘I’m really pleased to come away with the medals,’’ Bond said.
‘‘Driving all that way can be quite difficult, but those victories make it much sweeter.’’
Bond’s efforts saw him selected in the Australian team to compete at the 2019 ICF Canoe World Championships to be held in Shaoxing, China.
The achievement continues a remarkable career for Bond who was first nominated for the national team back in 1983.
He is yet to decide whether he will travel to China as there are strict restrictions on the equipment which can be brought into the country.
‘‘It leaves me in a difficult position,’’ he said.
‘‘The event clashes with my yearly trip to America as well so I need to make a decision.
‘‘Transporting your belongings to America is much easier.’’
The World Championships will be held between October 17 and 20.
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