ALYCE WOOD

ALYCE WOOD IS A 2-TIME OLYMPIAN, WORLD CHAMPION AND HAS BEEN A NATIONAL PADDLE TEAM REPRESENTATIVE FOR AUSTRALIA SINCE 2010. ALYCE IS BASED ON THE GOLD COAST.

Paddle Australia | Australian Olympic Committee | Instagram

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE YOUR SPORT?
I grew up in Surf Life Saving and wanted to be an Iron Woman, so when it was time to learn how to ski paddle when I was 15 I jumped in a Kayak. After figuring out how to stay upright, I was hooked on the sport!

WHEN DID YOU FULLY COMMIT TO TARGETING THE OLYMPICS?
I had my first crack at qualifying for the Olympics in 2012, but it wasn't until 2015 when I started doing K2 with Alyssa Bull that I understood what kind of commitment and dedication was required to target the Olympics.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE, AND WHY?
Racing in the K2 500 final at the 2016 Olympic Games. No words can describe the feeling of representing your country on the biggest sporting stage. Another super memorable moment was winning my maiden World Championship title in the K1 1000 in 2017. Nothing beats standing on top of a podium singing our National Anthem.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR TOUGHEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE HAD TO FACE IN YOUR SPORT, AND WHAT DID IT TEACH YOU?
I've had a range of injuries and general setbacks but I think the biggest challenge is one I face every day... As an athlete I have always wanted to get things done yesterday and am always one step ahead of myself, which has been one of my greatest challenges. In a technical sport, sometimes you have to take two steps back to take one step forward. As a result I've learnt to trust the process.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? WHAT KEEPS YOU GETTING UP EVERY MORNING?
My training partners. Collectively we are pushing towards the same goal and support each other along the way.

WHAT ARE FIVE OF YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS TO GET YOU IN THE ZONE?
To be honest I'm not that into listening to music before racing, but if I had to choose one it'd be Don't Let Me Down by the Chainsmokers. This song was played on repeat leading into the 2016 Olympics.

Career Highlights

• 2021 - Tokyo Olympics - 8th K1 500m
• 2021 - Tokyo Olympics - 5th K2 500m
• 2019 - World Championships – 7th K4 500m
  
• 2019 - World Cups – 1st K1 5000m, 2nd K1 1000m, 5th K4 500m
• 2019 - 4 x National Champion
• 2018 - World Championships – 7th K1 500m, 7th K4 500m
  
• 2018 - World Cups – 2nd K4 500m and Australian Record, 3rd K1 5000m, 6th K1 500m.
• 2018 - 4 x National Champion
• 2017 - World Championships – 1st K1 1000m, 7th K2 500m.
• 2017 - World Cups – 4th K2 500m, 4th K2 500. 4 x National Champion
• 2017 - Winner of the Queensland Academy of Sport Peter Lacey Award for Sporting Excellence.
• 2017 - Winner of the Sunshine Coast Sport Star of the Year.
• 2016 - Rio Olympic Games –8th K2 500m.
• 2016 - World Cups – 3rd K2 200m, 6th K2 500m.
• 2016 - National Championships – 1st K2 500m