Stewart steps closer to Olympics

Murray Stewart is one of three NSWIS athletes on the verge of Olympic qualification after a stellar performance at the canoe sprint Oceania championships over the weekend.

Although Australia is yet to officially earn its quota spot in the men’s K1 1000m, Stewart powered home in the event in a time of 3:31.50 to secure gold and put one foot in the door of Olympic qualification.

Stewart’s strong results continued throughout the course of the meet, combining with Ken Wallace to take out the men’s K2 1000m in the first nomination trial, as well earning a shot at nomination in the men’s K1 200m at the upcoming national championships.

Fellow NSWIS athlete Naomi Flood is also in the boxseat for Olympic nomination after finishing with silver in the women’s K2 500m. Flood and compatriot Lyndsie Fogarty finished behind their competitors from New Zealand, but were the first Australian duo across the line.

Jo Brigden-Jones is also right in contention for a spot in London after triumphing in the women’s K4 500m. Brigden-Jones, Fogarty, Hannah Davis and Rachel Lovell won by over a second from the next Australian quartet, and will need to win the same event at the national championships to be London bound.