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By Jon Kuiperij BEAVER SPORTS EDITOR Adam van Koeverden had been on top of the world. He had won two Olympic kayak- ing medals including a gold at the 2004 Games in Greece, carried the Canadian flag in the closing ceremonies at those Games and was eventually presented with the Lou Marsh Award, being recog- nized as Canadas top athlete. He had won numerous World Cup races during his paddling career and collected several world championship medals. He had even been named valedictorian of his graduating class at McMaster University in 2007. But on Aug. 22, 2008, Adam van Koeverden needed his mom. Fall from grace Van Koeverden, then 26, had just finished a disappointing eighth in the 1,000-metre final at the 2008 Olympics in Bejing. It was such an unexpected fall from grace he had earned silver in that distance four years earlier that he actu- ally apologized to Canadians for his performance. I have no explanation. All I have is an apology. Im sorry, van Koeverden told reporters after the race. Fortunately, Beata Bokrossy was there. Like she had been for his breakthrough performance in 2004, when he won gold and silver. Like she had been so often in the past, whether it was when he was an Oakville teen training at the Burloak Canoe Club or when he was a twenty-something compet- ing in international events. I think (2008) demonstrated to me even more how important it was (to be there), Bokrossy says. It was the first time in his competi- tive career he had been dealt such a blow. He specifically asked some- one to find me. He didnt want to walk through all the Canadians in the stands. You always want your mother SportsO k ill SPORTS EDITOR: JON KUIPERIJ Phone 905-845-3824 (ext. 432) Fax 905-337-5571 email sports@oakvillebeaver.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011 23 A mother's love not lost on Olympic champion kayaker SUPPORT SYSTEM: Three-time Olympic medal-winning kayaker Adam van Koeverden and his mother, Beata Bokrossy, share a laugh yesterday (Wednesday) at the Burloak Canoe Club. Bokrossy plans to attend next year's Games in London to cheer on her son. ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER See Sponsorship, page 24