National Talent Camp 2007

Eight paddlers from Stafford and Stone Canoe Club were among 21 young canoeists who attended a National Talent Camp at Loughborough University. This high profile event was the first camp of its kind. The SSCC athletes invited to the event were: Joe Clarke; Tom Brady; Rob Downes; Claire Kimberley; George Tatchell; Adam Burgess; Emily Woodcock and Natalie Wilson. Claire Kimberley was one of 5 athletes at the camp singled out for a special award for her determination. And just in case you thought this camp was an easy option, the circuit session pictured here took place at 7 am! If you look carefully, you can see Kelly Holmes joining in, doing press-ups.

Dame Kelly Holmes kicked off proceedings at Loughborough University for the 2007 National Talent Orientation Camp. The Camp brought together 89 athletes from 5 different Olympic sports within the U15 - U17 age ranges.

Canoeing was represented by 6 flatwater athletes and 15 Canoe Slalom athletes. The camp has been funded by the DFES and run by the Youth Sport Trust with the objective of sharing ideas and setting the vision as athletes aspire to go all the way to the top in their sport. As well as physical training sessions, the 4 day camp looked at all aspects of elite performance to give young athletes an insight to some of the opportunities and challenges that exist within elite sport.The first day kicked off with Dame Kelly Holmes providing an inspirational talk supported by Peter Keen outlining the challenges and opportunities for those choosing to 'pursue thier dream'

As an ice breaker, the athletes were split into small multi sport teams and given a series of tough challenges laid on by the army (Kelly Holmes used to be in the Army).

The other olympic Sports involved in the camp are Sailing, Triathlon, Cycling (track, BMX and road) and Rowing.

You can read more about the camp by following this link to the Youth Sport Trust.

"Gold Rush" - The Guardian, January 16th, 2007

"Camp shows budding stars the way forward" - The Telegraph, January 23rd, 2007

Natalie and Emily talk about their experiences at the Loughborough Talent Camp