WARRNAMBOOL’S Johnson siblings are aiming for state kayaking titles this weekend.
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Sixteen-year-old Isaac, 14-year-old Alana and 12-year-old Ellie will take to the Maribyrnong River at Footscray hoping to continue the good form of recent weeks in the state marathon championships. Last weekend, the trio competed at the Victorian Schools Championships at Essendon, where their combined points picked up a third place for King’s College.
Ellie was also crowned the under 12 age group champion and Alana finished fourth in the under 16s.
Isaac had a less-than-ideal campaign, ending up in the drink at the start of his K1 marathon event.
“It can be pretty intense at the start. The water churns up like a washing machine and I got tipped out,” Isaac said.
“But I got back in and caught one boat, which I was really happy with, and finished second-last.
“I finished the TK sprint in second place though.”
He said he was hoping to stay upright this weekend, when he will race as a bottom-age under 18 in the 20-kilometre marathon.
“It’s the first time I’ve raced in this age group, so I’m not expecting to get results like I have previously,” he said.
“I’ll be happy to finish mid-field. It’s a longer distance as well.”
Alana said she was feeling the same, also racing in the 16-kilometre under 16 event for the first time.
“It will be stiffer competition that’s for sure,” she said.
It will be Ellie’s fourth regatta as an under 12.
She hopes she could again take out her age group.
Fellow Warrnambool Kayak Club member Gary Bell will also take part in the championships, competing in the 55-59 years age group.