New Zealand’s Lisa Carrington has decided not to compete in this month’s International Canoe Federation Canoe Sprint World Cups in Europe following medical advice.
Carrington posted on her Instagram confirming that she won’t be participating in Szeged, Hungary this weekend, nor next week’s World Cup in Brandenberg, Germany.
The eight-time Olympic champion announced last month that she was expecting to give birth to her first child later this year and had planned to compete in Szeged and Brandenburg.
But the 36-year-old has now opted to skip the two World Cups.
“Thanks so much for all the messages,” said Carrington.
“I won’t be competing in the upcoming World cup races following medical advice.
“I was really looking forward to racing after all the work that’s gone into getting here but for now my focus is on looking after my health.
“Everything’s okay – just a small change of plans.
“I’ll be cheering on the team and am looking forward to what’s ahead.”
Aimee Fisher took Carrington’s place in the K4, teaming up with Olivia Brett, Greer Morley and Lucy Matehaere.
Speaking last month, Carrington said LA28 was “still the goal” but insisted that “right now my focus is on navigating this pregnancy”.
Carrington made history at Paris 2024, courtesy of her hat-trick of gold medals. The legendary kayaker’s success took her eight Olympic titles, equalling the record of Germany’s Birgit Fischer, which had stood for 20 years.
The K4 500m title in France was New Zealand’s first, ending a 40-year domination by Germany and Hungary in the event at the Games.
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