Dame Lisa Carrington Steps In to Save New Zealand's Canoe Sprint World Championships Team

In a remarkable turn of events, New Zealand's most decorated Olympian, Dame Lisa Carrington, is set to make a surprise return to international competition ahead of the Canoe Sprint World Championships in Milan, Italy. With just 18 days to go until the event begins, the eight-time Olympic champion will step in to replace injured gold medalist Olivia Brett in the women's kayak four (K4) team.

Earlier this year, Dame Lisa had announced that she would be skipping the 2025 international season in order to prepare for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. However, with a critical injury affecting the New Zealand team, she has chosen to return at a pivotal moment, showing her commitment to her sport and her teammates.

The decision was made following an injury sustained by Olivia Brett during training, which has left the New Zealand team in a difficult situation. Nathan Luce, the general manager of performance for Canoe Racing New Zealand, expressed his admiration for Dame Lisa’s willingness to step up.

This is a really tough situation for Olivia, and our thoughts are with her as she begins her recovery. We're fortunate to have someone of Lisa's calibre available to step in.

Despite not competing in the first two World Cups of the season in Szeged and Poznan, Dame Lisa has remained in full-time training and is in race-ready form. Her experience, leadership, and track record make her a vital asset to the team.

The new K4 team will consist of Dame Lisa, Alicia Hoskin, Tara Vaughan, and Lucy Matehaere. This group has already shown incredible potential, having won gold in the K4 500m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. That victory marked a historic moment for New Zealand, ending a 40-year dominance by Germany and Hungary in the event.

Dame Lisa's leadership and determination have not only helped her achieve personal success but have also inspired a new generation of athletes. Her decision to return for the World Championships highlights her deep passion for the sport and her desire to see the New Zealand team succeed on the global stage.

As the team prepares for the competition in Milan, all eyes will be on Dame Lisa as she takes the helm in the K4 event. Her experience and resilience are expected to play a crucial role in helping the team achieve their goal of winning gold at the Idroscalo Regatta Course.

This latest move by Dame Lisa underscores her unwavering dedication to the sport and her teammates. Her ability to step in at a critical moment is a testament to her character and the respect she commands within the sporting community.