Perthshire paddler at the worlds

Sep 9 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PA Sports Personality of the Year Fiona Pennie is chasing a world canoe championship medal.

The World Slalom Championships are in full swing in Bratislava and the Crieff paddler is eager to come home with a medal to boost her prospects for making Team GB at the London Olympics.

The 28-year-old’s commitment to her sport was underlined by a house move to be nearer the new Lee Valley Olympic white water course in Hertfordshire.

Five years ago Fiona struck silver at the world championships and while she underperformed in Beijing, she is desperate for the chance to push for a medal in London next year.

She admitted the Olympic experience was memorable, despite coming a cropper by missing a gate and enduring a 50-second penalty which sunk her medal prospects in China.

“It goes without saying that I want to be in the team for London and my ambition is to be in a position where I can win a medal,” she said.

“The team will not be chosen until April but there are bonus points if you medal at the worlds.”

Fiona faces “cut throat” opposition from three English paddlers for the solitary place up for grabs next summer.