OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, July 15, 2009 · 24 24 Sports Oakville Beaver www.aplushomes.ca Adam Campbell 905-844-4444 I N D E P E N D E N T LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D Broker of Record B R O K E R A G E SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com · WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2009 Nicholson leaves competition behind at Pan Am championships By Jon Kuiperij BEAVER SPORTS EDITOR JON CURRIE / OAKVILLE BEAVER FINISHING KICK: Taylor Sarabia (right) gets some encouragement as she raises her hands after finishing the Oakville Tri Kids Triathlon Sunday at Appleby College. Mallorie Nicholson wasn't too worried about the competition when she lined up to race at the Pan American canoe and kayak championships. She'd already taken care of the hard part--- qualifying to represent Canada in the women's canoeing singles events in Rio De Janeiro. With each country only sending one representative to this year's championships, that meant her stiffest competition was behind her. "In past years, there's been another Canadian girl in it, and the Canadian girl is usually pretty close," said the 22-year-old Mallorie Nicholson Nicholson. "We're definitely the most advanced country in (canoeing) right now because we started racing at international championships much earlier than other countries did." With the coast clear of fellow Canucks, Nicholson cruised to victories in the 200-metre, 500m and 1,000m events, the second straight year she won all three distances at the Pan Am championships. The Burloak Canoe Club member also used the opportunity to implement a few technical changes she recently made to her paddling style, including adjustments on her exit and increasing her stroke rate. Nicholson was pleased with the results, and hopes they help keep her on top when she competes in the national team trials later this month in Montreal, where the top paddlers will qualify for this year's world championships. Women's canoe is making its debut at this year's world championships as an exhibition event. That's the first step towards inclusion in the Olympic Summer Games. Nicholson is optimistic women's canoe will be part of the Olympics by 2016, when she feels she'll be in her prime. "The peak age for paddlers is about 29 years old, and that's how old I would be by 2016," said the University of Toronto student. "We'll see if I've found anything else to do with my life before then." Nicholson wasn't the only Burloak athlete to enjoy success in Brazil. Christopher Mehak teamed with Quebec's Hughes Fournel to win the kayaking doubles (K-2) 200m, Aaron Rublee earned silver in the C-1 200m and 500m events while adding bronze in the 1,000m distance, and Geoffrey Clarke was part of the silver medal-winning K-4 500m squad. MEMO To: Subject: From: Oakville Soccer Club Returning Members Welcome to the Head of the Line The Oakville Soccer Club Advance online registration for our Fall and Winter indoor programs starts July 15 for returning members and siblings Visit www.oakvillesoccerclub.ca to register and to view complete information on fees, days of play and more In-person registration with proof of birth is required for siblings who are currently non-members Open registration starts August 10 1520 Pine Glen Road (Dundas and Third Line), 905-849-4436 The Oakville Beaver A Proud Sponsor of Oakville Soccer Club A proud sponsor of the Oakville Soccer Club