Martina Wegman of The Netherlands has joined Canoe Slalom New Zealand (CSNZ) as Performance Pathways Coach for 2025.
Wegman is a two-time Olympian, representing her country at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
A kayak cross specialist, the 35-year-old has multiple medals at the International Canoe Federation World Cups and a World Championships silver medal in the event from 2018.
CSNZ expressed its delight in securing an experienced paddler like Wegman, who it believes will play a key role in empowering young athletes from the country.
Taking a year out from competition, Wegman is looking forward to using her skills particularly to develop female paddlers.
“Taking time away from international racing gives me an exciting opportunity to focus on supporting young paddlers,” she was quoted as saying by CSNZ.
“I’m passionate about helping more athletes build confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed — both on and off the water.
“I’m thrilled to be part of CSNZ’s vision to grow the performance pathway and nurture the next wave of talent.”
Egues Arregui has also joined as a Performance Pathways Coach for 2025.
Hailing from San Sebastian in Spain, Arregui competed for the national team until 2017 before switching to coaching and has been based at Canoe Slalom Bay of Plenty in New Zealand.
She also has experience working with the International Canoe Federation’s Talent Identification Programme (TIP) camps.
Earlier in the month, the National Federation confirmed that Aaron Osborne will coach Paris 2024 kayak cross champion Finn Butcher leading into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Osborne was supporting Butcher in the final stages of his Paris 2024 campaign and will now be with him for the next four-year cycle.
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