20 year old Illawarra Canoe Club paddler Scott Smith has gotten off to a great start to the 2013 Grand Prix 3 Regatta and Sydney International Regatta Centre qualifying for two finals on Saturday.
The younger brother of K4 1000 London Olympic Gold medallist David Smith has watched his older brother at two Olympic Games now and is motivated to achieve his own success this year.
“I watched David (Smith) in Beijing and started paddling shortly after that, then I watched him again in London and it has definitely inspired me to take my paddling to the next level and do well this year.”
With U23 selection up for grabs this weekend, Smith has gotten off to a strong start and is on track to achieve his goal of securing a 1000m spot on the Australian team to compete at the ICF U23 World Championships in Welland, Canada in July later this year.
In tough conditions with a strong cross wind and constant showers Smith didn’t let the weather deter him posting consecutive wins in the men's U23 K1 1000 heat and semifinal.
“I was pretty happy to get the two wins and looking forward to tomorrow’s final.”
Smith will face strong competition in the final with Queensland duo Bill Bain and Jordan Wood, and South Australia’s Luke Haniford appearing his greatest rivals in what should be a fast and fiercely contested final.
“Billy Bain is the one to beat; he always paddles well as these events.”
Smith will also line up in the men's U23 K2 1000 final with Tasmanian Tom Norton after they finished second in the first semi final this afternoon.
Smith and Norton were narrowly beaten by Queensland paddlers Jordan Wood and Michael Booth who finished just 0.03 seconds ahead in a time of 3:35.94.
Kawana Waters duo Neil Gardner and Nicholas Bolton finished third two seconds further back.
After paddling together for a number of years now, Smith is looking to win the K2 event tomorrow.
“We have been paddling together for quite a while now and want to take it out.”
Smith also contested the men’s U23 K4 1000 final this afternoon finishing third.
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