Rising star Ken Rice plans to build on 2017 momentum in the next season

Ken Rice's Ascent in Ocean Racing

• For South African paddler Ken Rice, 2017 was a pivotal year, marking his establishment among the elite in canoe ocean racing. He found immense satisfaction in his achievements, describing the twelve months as extraordinary.
• Rice considers 2017 his definitive breakthrough, aiming to sustain that momentum. He credits his success to an incredible support system, including sponsors who saw potential in a 95kg, 14-year-old, constantly pushed by an older brother in a competitive ocean racing community.
• Today, Rice proudly holds the U23 Ocean Racing World Champion title, earned through a powerful performance in Hong Kong's challenging surf. He finished an impressive fourth overall, having vied for a podium spot throughout the race.
• After a brief break, Rice eagerly returned to the water to preserve his winning edge. For 2018, he anticipates a dynamic year with new benchmarks. His main goal is greater consistency in race positions and genuine enjoyment of the sport, rather than solely focusing on winning.
• He affirms his competitive spirit, approaching every race with full commitment to win or defend titles, while learning from each outcome. His mantra, "Just trying to be one tiny step better than the day before," highlights his dedication to continuous improvement.
• Though 2018 lacks a World Championship, numerous high-caliber races fill the calendar. Rice admits apprehension about changing his successful 2017 approach but is open to new training methods to stay motivated and "keep the spice." He's confident his support crew will help build on last year's success with fresh ideas.

Elite Training Environment

• Rice benefits from a world-class training environment in South Africa, training alongside top athletes like current world champion Cory Hill. This fosters an intensely competitive atmosphere, making every session feel like a...

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