Returning to competitive paddling has been smooth sailing for Mark Heggie. The 55-year-old kayaker is competing in his first Australian Masters Games, which is on in Geelong this week, after taking a 30-year break from racing.
The Frankston South father said his comeback was inspired by the Victorian Para Canoeing Squad. “It’s a privilege to be able to train these amazing athletes who are aiming to compete in the Brazil Paralympics in 2016,” Heggie said.
“When I used to compete, I had many people helping me forward. It’s nice to be able to give back.” Last representing Australia in the first national junior team at the World Sprint Kayak Championships in 1975, Heggie said he had had an “on-and-off” relationship with paddling.
“I took a pretty long break from it, but started to get back into it more seriously when my son, Hunter, was at an age where he could join me on the double kayak,’’ he said.
Details – australianmastersgames.com
Source – Leader
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