“The selection policy did not allow any other opportunities after the nationals to do what they required.
“Luckily for me, Tom thought this was wrong and was able to amend the selection policy so that if I showed I was capable of achieving the open criteria at the under-23 world champs, then I could be selected for the open team.”
Impressive performances and times at the junior and under-23 world champs in Bulgaria two weeks ago — culminating in his fourth placing in the K1 1000m u23 men’s final — earned him a late call-up to the open squad for Portugal.
“There’s still a long way to go but it was a great result,” said Thompson, who is thriving in the European environment.
“The competition is a lot faster over here than in New Zealand but because I’ve been around the sport for a while, and have been around other Kiwis who have raced internationally, it was never a shock when I first raced internationally.
“Now I just look at it as a challenge to be faster than them one day.”
Leading up to the u23 world champs, Thompson trained in the Czech Republic and Hungary.
“Conditions are really good for training over here, a lot better than winter at home. It’s also a lot easier and cheaper to stay here than travel back and forward for each regatta.
“It’s a great benefit to be able to focus completely on paddling, plus I’ve been lucky to train in a really good squad environment in Hungary. This is probably one of the biggest benefits.”
Thompson’s training sessions comprise usually two paddles a day, plus either a run or a gym session on alternate days, six days a week.
He has his short-term goals but is keeping his long-term goals close to his chest, saying only that he is in the sport for the long haul.
One suspects that would include the Olympic Games and following in the paddle strokes of his father — Olympic kayaking double gold medallist Alan Thompson — and mother Liz, who, as Elizabeth Blencowe, represented Australia in kayaking at the 1984 Olympics.
You would also expect that he is often asked about, or compared with, his parents.
“That’s not the case,” he said.
“People don’t really ask me that, probably because they think everyone does ask it,” he said.
“I guess I can probably expect to be asked about or compared with Dad more as I develop, get older and start trying to make a name for myself in the open ranks.
“But growing up with Mum and Dad, and being around other world-class athletes from a young age, made things like the Olympics seem realistic — not something that was out of reach.”
This was reinforced when he started training with the likes of Gisborne brothers Darryl (2012 Olympian) and Jarrod Fitzgerald.
“And obviously Dad has an influence on my career, mainly because he is my coach.”
Thompson was “nine or 10” when he had his first kayaking experience.
“I was with Mum dropping off my sister (Kim, who also competed at the u23 worlds) for her training and I asked Mum if I could have a go.
“I’d been paddling small surf skis with Dad for maybe two years before that.”
Outside of kayaking, Thompson works at the Olympic Pool during summer months.
“Hendrik (Geyer, pool manager) is really good with giving me hours that fit around training and everyone there is really understanding.
“Surf lifesaving is another of my interests. Ski paddling is something I enjoy. I don’t take it too seriously. I race hard but I don’t worry about the result because there’s a lot of chance when it comes to surf.
“This year I’ve also started getting into a little shooting and hunting.”
Thompson would not be able to pursue kayaking without financial assistance and he is extremely grateful to those businesses who have helped him out.
“And, of course, I couldn’t do this without the support of my family, especially Mum and Dad.”
