Photo’s Supplied by Nikola Girke
We strongly support the long and winding journey that has taken Nikola to various areas of the globe and as she continues she shares it with Sportswave.
Below is her most recent note sent out – Enjoy the read:
And that’s a wrap… the Last Chance Regatta is now finished. It was an interesting regatta, with very many wind challenges again. Not enough, too shifty etc, not to mention really really cold (as in 6 degrees in the morning cold). We ended up having 12 races of the total 20 scheduled. 5 course races, 6 slalom races and 1 marathon race (which counts double – so shows up as 2 races). While I did only manage to post a few scores in the low 20’s, I was really happy with my progress. While my lead up into the regatta was less than ideal, I finally felt like my regular self with energy on the last day. It was a very windy last day, I was in the mid-teens in all races until I crashed. Unfortunately I crashed 3 times in the marathon race (it was 47 km long) and 3 times in the 1st course race that day and once in the final race of the day. While I was not the only one that crashed, I lost about 10 boards with each crash. Other than this completely obvious fact that crashes are so costly – I am happy with my speed and my ability to compete within the fleet that has been doing this full time for 4+ years. I’ve come a long way since starting late November and I still have some gas left to give! |
I had mentioned there were only 5 spots up for grabs here. Well, there was also a spot for an Emerging Nation and 1 spot for a Developing Nation (which in the end became 2 spots for a Developing Nation). It all came down to the last Medal Race series as there were both Emerging and Developing Nations within the top 10. The pecking order of who gets what spot was determined by which country finishes in which place and gets what spot. (Confusing right?!) In the end, an Emerging Nation took a top 5 spot, which opened up a spot for the next Emerging Nations country. Then that meant that the first Developing Nations spot went to Austria and when another spot became available to Switzerland. I was the next country spot in the Developing Nations, the first Developing Nations that did not qualify. So… while that means that I did not qualify, and my bags are packed to come home, it does not mean I hang up the gloves right away. I will keep training, as all of the qualified countries must now accept these spots and confirm entry of their athletes. If one country of the Developing Nations decides not to send their athlete, then the spot goes to the next in line: Canada. So that means that Canada (might – and just only might) get a spot – but all of that won’t be known until May 23rd. |
Unfortunately during the start of our first slalom race, within seconds of the start, I was bumped by a girl that was below me and that caused me to lose control and this caused a domino effect and had 4 girls fall, including me. I was protested and disqualified. The next day, a drone video showed the whole incident and while it’s not crystal clear, it was not the story that was shared in the protest room. Hard to decipher when it’s blowing 17-18 knots, we are going at 20/22 knots – things happen fast. Have a look… it’s very tight. |
Long cold days, but still smiles at the end with my training partners Bruna, Brazil & Manon, Switzerland. |
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So now it’s time to go home, work some long days while training both in the gym and on the water. Never a dull moment continues… Thank you for your emails and your continued support! |
About Sportswave
Sportswave Productions is located in Delta, BC.
Sportswave promotes/broadcasts Amateur Sports within the Lower Mainland.
Sportswave Productions is owned and operated by Steve Erickson who has a long standing career within the broadcasting and refereeing for Minor League Sports in BC and across Canada.
Steve is recognized by his peers, associations, communities and colleagues for his endless contributions to multiple Amateur Sports within the Lower Mainland.
Steve was recognized as Volunteer of the Year Award by the Delta Chamber of Commerce in 2015 and inducted into the Vancouver Canadians Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.
He was recognized by Ravi Kahlon, BC’s MLA Minister for Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation in September 11, 2017.
In December 2022 he was Awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Pin.
Awarded Rotary Paul Harris Fellow Award for tangible for significant assistant given for the better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.
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