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ALYCE WOOD
KAYAKING
2-TIME OLYMPIAN
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 when it came time to learn to ski paddle I jumped in a Kayak to help fast-track my progression. At the same time as this were was a Talent ID program starting in Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, and the rest is history!
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?
The K2 500m final at the Tokyo Olympics. We placed 5th and were only 0.5s off the podium, which sounds heartbreaking, but we did a PB in a final at an Olympic Games which is a huge achievement in itself and were part of the fastest and most competitive K2 races our sport has seen. It was very special.
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?
Wanting to be better than I was yesterday.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YONGER ATHLETES ENTERING THE SPORT ASPIRING GREATNESS ON THE WORLD STAGE?
Stay true to yourself and your values throughout your whole career.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE YOUR SPORT? INTERESTS? CAREER?
My favourite job title is being a Mum to my daughter Florence.
Outside of that I work for myself as a Communications Specialist.
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
