Louise Donnington

Bar Person

AGE: 27

SPORT: Canoe Slalom athlete GB Squad

I have been competing in Canoe Slalom for 18years starting as a novice and working my way up to representing England and Great Britain at Junior and Senior levels. My greatest achievements to date are becoming European and World Champion in the Kayak Ladies Teams in 2009, with the European Championships being held in Nottingham in front of a home crowd and the World Championships taking place in Spain. My best individual result is 5th in a World Cup and 12th at the World Championships. I am currently ranked 3rd in the country, and with only one spot per class per nation available I am training hard to try and gain this spot at the olympic selection races in April 2012.

 
The National WaterSports Centre, as well as being a fantastic training venue, has provided me with a flexible working environment allowing me to earn money to support my paddling dreams whilst fitting around my training and racing commitments both in Britain and abroad. I have worked in various areas of the centre since starting work there as a 'summer job' after my first year of university, although most recently my work has been in the Bar.
 
In 2010 I recieved a 'Shining Stars' grant from Nottinghamshire County Council which has helped me with the extra costs associated with training on the new LeeValley Whitewater course, which will host canoe slalom at the Olympic Games next year and will also be the site for selection of the Olympic team.