Do Blondes Really Have More Fun?

Like a chameleon changes colour to fit into its surrounding environment,
I too have had to adapt physically and mentally in order to fit in and achieve
my goals and dreams as a sprint canoeist. I have been sprinting full time for two years and recently, when looking
back over my journey, I noticed something interesting… At each new phase I have
had a ‘new’ look, highlighting my adaptation.

Long Blonde

When I joined the SA sprint canoe/ kayak squad in March 2006 at the Port
Edward training camp, I came from a river/ long distance paddling background. I
gave up working full time in order to pursue my sporting career and discover
how far I could go in my paddling, realizing my dreams.

I had my 7 year old sprint boat, river paddle and… a lot of hard work
ahead of me. I didn’t know quite what I was in for!

The initial adaptation took a full year. To begin with I couldn’t do a
single pull up unassisted! Fortunately, I was fit and with my river technique I
secured my place in the SA Women’s K4 to compete at the World Championships in
August 2006.

It was a great year for me, the training was incredibly tough but slowly
I began to see an improvement and started to feel the benefits.

G.I. Joyce

By March 2007 I was back in Port Edward. 
I could finally do 10 sets of 10 pull ups and the same number of push
ups, non stop.

My times began to improve and I was getting much stronger in the gym.

The Cancer Shavathon inspired me to make another dramatic change. I
decided to shave my head… bald!  It felt
amazing and I was ready to take on the world!

After training and racing in Europe from May until August, the K4 crew
of myself, Nikki Mocke, Michele Eray and Jen Hodson raced at the World
Championships in Germany
and secured a berth for the boat at the Beijing Olympics in August 2008.

Cropped Brunette

Now, with only 6 months until we race at the Olympics, once again I head
off to Port Edward for our March 2008 training camp.

Thereafter I race nationals at Nagle Dam in April and I leave for Europe in May.

This is it, what I’ve been dreaming of and working so hard for, I will
keep you updated with my progress leading up to the Games in August.