Hounslow hoping for exciting Olympics

Saturday, July 21, 2012
2:45 PM

Canoeist ready to make a splash at Lee Valley

London canoeist Richard Hounslow is expecting a great Olympic experience at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

Hounslow is due to represent Team GB in the men’s kayak competition and also teams up with David Florence in the double canoe event.

And with the start of the 2012 Games now just a few days away, he says all the athletes are relishing the chance.

He said: “I’m feeling really excited, our training is tapering off now so I’m starting to feel a lot fresher.

“We’re just fine-tuning really, the hard work has been done so we’re all just getting ready to compete now.

“I think the atmosphere here is going to be amazing. We were here when the Olympic Torch went down the course and that was great fun.

“We had about 2,000 people here and when each of us was introduced to the crowd we got a big cheer, and that was pretty amazing.”

And Hounslow, who is from Harrow, is determined to enjoy the chance to take part in a Games in his home city.

He added: “This is without a doubt the highlight of my career so far. I’m very lucky that this is my first Olympic Games and and also a home Games as well. “Even if it turns out to be my only Olympics I’m just so proud that I’ll be able to compete in front of a home crowd, with my friends and family watching.”