For some reason today as I sat around chewing finger nails while watching the mens preliminary round- I kept thinking about what the World Championships even means. I remind myself that these events don’t define us as a paddler. It combines preparation with mental ability to compete. To adapt, overcome and deliver. We work with a river, a natural element that is constantly different- as we are never on the same water twice. In this photo I am using the World Championships as an excuse to train for a month long trip to Uganda- an element of my competitive history that has changed since my roles have evolved. I no longer run away for a month to focus on my kayaking. But this week leading up has brought me so much selfish joy- and while my kids are officially bored and over sitting around watching me paddle. My cup is overflowing. I wouldn’t change any element of my training, or my path that has lead me here. So while I feel the least prepared for a World Championships in my 18 years of competing in them- I also feel the most proud- I have grown as a paddler/ I have pushed myself physically mentally and today while talking to my daughter I won in more ways then I could have ever imagined. I said “Parker I’m a little nervous, what if I don’t do well?” She responded- “Mommy you always have the most fun, and I know you’ll try to do your best.” I said “what if my best isn’t quite good enough?” “Well you’ll still have the most fun.” So tomorrow I am going to have the most fun. Because even at 5 years old, my daughter knows that’s what this is truly all about. The work is done- let’s have some fun! #uncompromised