New Zealand’s Luuka Jones is preparing for her fifth and final Olympic Games in Paris – and she insists “I have got to make this one count”.
Jones has been a trailblazer for Canoe Slalom in her country since she broke onto the international scene as a teenager.
At 19, Jones made history by becoming the first female Canoe Slalom paddler to represent New Zealand at an Olympics when she featured at Beijing 2008.
After competing at London 2012, Jones then made more history at Rio 2016 where she won New Zealand’s first-ever Olympic medal in Canoe Slalom courtesy of her K1 silver.
Jones made her fourth Olympic appearance at the delayed Tokyo 2020 and is now set to become a five-time Olympian in Paris.
“The big goal is Paris and everything is tracking towards that so I feel confident,” said Jones.
“It’s my fifth Olympic Games and my last one.
“It’s been an awesome journey.
“I never thought I would get to this place and to have achieved what I have.
“For me, it’s special to represent New Zealand and I just want to go out and enjoy it.”
At Tokyo 2020, Jones placed sixth in K1 and 13th in C1, giving her extra fuel to fight for glory in Paris.
“Every Olympic Games are so different and in Tokyo, I was very stressed,” said the 35-year-old.
“This one in Paris is going to be incredible.
“I can’t wait to sit there and cross the start line in front of those crowds.
“Our friends and family can come and watch so it will be a spectacular Games.
“I was just so wide-eyed at my first Olympics.
“I didn’t have the skills and came last, so I have had to grow up over the years and I am definitely a contender for the podium.
“It’s a nice place to be.
“There are no more chances, so I have got to make this one count.”
Jones will head to the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium having already tasted success at the Olympic venue when it held the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup last October.
The New Zealander won gold in the women’s kayak cross – an event that will be making its Olympic debut in Paris.
She expects kayak cross to be a huge hit at the Games and is looking forward to battling it out for the top spot.
“I love kayak cross,” said Jones.
“It’s such a contrast to the classic slalom and it’s so exciting to watch and to be a part of.
“Four people racing head-to-head, crashing into each other and it’s very tactical.
“There is a lot of skill involved and I am excited about that.
“Because it is so new, we have had to figure out how to train for it and how to combine it with classic slalom, so both are being benefited.
“In New Zealand, we grow up in plastic kayaks on the river so for me it is a nod to growing up on those natural rivers.
“We have had a lot of good results across the board in under 23 and junior level in kayak cross so we are hoping that Finn [Butcher] and I can represent New Zealand proudly.
“I guess the dream would be to stand on top of the podium and listen to our national anthem."
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