EXCLUSIVE: Mallory Franklin wins Junior Canoe Slalom World Championship gold

Exclusive by Rob Stevens • Published 24 Jul 2012 13:05 0 Comments

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MALLORY Franklin has set her sights on a breakthrough at senior level after winning three medals - including one gold - at the Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships.

Windsor-based Franklin was part of the K1 team that claimed gold at the championships in Wisconsin, USA before going on to land C1 individual silver and team bronze.

And Mallory - the younger sister of Zak who recently carried the Olympic Torch at Lea Valley White Water Centre - insists performances are more important than medals at this early stage of her career.

Speaking exclusively to the Observer Mallory Franklin, 18, said: "I was pleased with my results at the World Juniors.

"Last year and the year before that I was competing at senior level but have never been able to do that final run to get me there."

Franklin first got into canoeing after a chance meeting with Windsor Canoe Club and has since dedicated herself to the sport along with the completion of a BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at East Berkshire College, Langley campus.

Franklin continued: "I do flat and white water sessions and sprint sessions and go to the gym three or four times a week.

"I tend to do more swimming now rather than running because of an old hip injury and stretchy band stuff to strengthen my shoulders.

"I'm trying to restrict the amount of chocolate I eat, it was hard not to snack at college - it's about getting the right balance."

And the teen star is targeting an impressive performance at next month's Senior World Cup in Prague, Czech Republic.

She added: "I used to get nervous on the start line but now I like to think about different things to take my mind off it.

"In USA I thought about the conversations I've had with the really friendly people and the birds and stuff.

"I've got the Senior World Cup in Prague in August and the Junior Euro's in September. It's nice to get medals but I'm targeting a good performance.

"I want to get into the senior fold, they are lot stronger and more experienced but it depends on what course you get on the day.

EAST Berkshire College has a strong reputation for nurturing budding young sportsmen and women, with a number of former students having made the step up into professional sports.

Last year the College launched new netball and rugby academies as part of its successful Sports Academy, following the success of the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy and football development scheme (FEDO).

As part of its improvement plans for the Langley Campus, the College plan to develop a new multi-purpose sports centre with an outdoor games area which will accommodate a sports hall, a gym, dance studio and changing rooms.

This facility will not only meet the needs of its successful Sports Academy, but also provide the local community with public use of new sports amenities.

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