Canoeing: Hutchings proves his worth on water

Cory Hutchings woke up yesterday a little unsure of himself.

It's not the sort of admission you'd expect from someone who holds three world Ironman titles.

But yesterday was different. Hutchings was about to take part in canoeing's national sprint champs at Lake Pupuke - a daunting prospect considering he'd never previously competed in a kayak regatta.

"I don't even know what time to get out of bed in the morning. I feel like a bloody 16-year-old again," said Hutchings, who went on to win the men's K1 1000m B final after placing fourth in his semifinal.

His switch to kayaking at the age of 33 was a surprise to many. He'd achieved success at the highest level in Ironman, earning lucrative sponsorship deals and star status.

But one sporting ambition remained unfulfilled and it was starting to niggle away at him.

At the age of 12, he'd seen his father coach Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald to gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Kayaking may have been in the family blood but he chose a different path. Twenty years would pass, during which time he became a highly successful surf lifesaver, before the big decision was made.

"I wanted to taste that Olympic thing that everyone goes on about. Seeing Ben Fouhy and Steve Ferguson in Athens really stirred some emotions up," admitted Hutchings before quickly adding: "I don't want to take any publicity away from those guys. They are the kings of this sport.

"I'd love to get to the 2008 Olympics, not as an individual but as part of a K4 crew."

The Gisborne crew of Hutchings, Kinsella, O'Connor and McDowell finished second in yesterday's K4 1000m final behind an impressive Auckland team.

"It's a challenge and I know it's going to be hard to do. This is just the beginning. I still need to be about 15 to 20 seconds faster but I'm pleased with the improvements I've made in the past six months.

"I'm getting better at what we call boat-run, which is to let the boat do the work and not to overpower it.

"In the surf sometimes you just go hell for leather because you're competing against the elements as well."

He's also applying cross-training techniques learned in surf lifesaving which he hopes will give him an advantage.

"A lot of the guys who have been involved in surf lifesaving are also involved in canoeing so it's not the huge jump everyone thinks.

"There are people who tell me I can't make it to Beijing and if I don't make it, I'll just turn around and say 'yeah you were right'. But it's not going to stop me trying to get there."

-HERALD ON SUNDAY