Bronze for Great Britain

Just a short update on how the GB Senior Womens Canoe Polo Squad did at the European Championships in Ireland. As you may have guessed from the title of this article we came third. Germany won and France came second.

I had an excellent time, the team spirit was really good and we managed to get on really well the whole time. As I had never competed at this level before I wasn't sure how the pressure was going to affect me although I didn't think that nerves would really be a problem. I was very mistaken as I managed to feel physically sick for the whole week that we were in Ireland. I would get onto the competition pitch, after having a really good warm-up session, and try and hold my paddle without it shaking out of my hands. I now understand the term "shaking like a leaf"!! This seems funny looking back at it now as we had played some of the teams at other International competitions, and beaten them.

We beat France in the league, but when it came to the Semi-finals the more experienced French players beat us. We then had to play the Netherlands for 3rd - 4th position. This nail biting game went to extra time, I'm not sure how the spectators were able to breathe during that game, it was extremely close. I have seen this game on video and I was nervous watching it - even though I knew the score!!

Life has gone back to normal now, as I am not doing as much training as I was before. But I do have a thirst for adrenaline, as I hadn't been able to do anything scary for the last few months, so I think my Mountain Bike might be getting used lots. Training will probably increase at the beginning of October, so I'll be making myself go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week. I am going to try and not lose all my paddle fitness during the winter; as this will make it easier when I start proper training at the start of 2004.

As I'm playing in lots of different leagues this year I should have lots of news to tell you all, so I'll be trying to keep you all up to date with my winter matches and training.

Might see some of you soon on a river!!!

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Bronze for Great Britain

Ellie Bridgstock