Notts canoeist is fast-tracked towards Olympics

BINGHAM canoeist Matt Evans has been fast-tracked as a future British Olympian after being handpicked to join the Lloyds TSB Local Heroes initiative.

The 16-year-old Toot Hill School pupil will receive a cash injection of £1,000 to help with the cost of training and competing in 2009 after being one of 250 youngsters selected from across the UK.

Evans also attended the Midlands launch of the initiative in Loughborough, where he received a training master class with British Olympians Debbie Flood, Ashia Hansen and Katharine Merry on food, nutrition and media.

And Evans – who showed his growing potential with 23rd place at the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic last year – insisted rubbing shoulders with the likes of Beijing silver medallist Flood, is all the inspiration he needs to continue his path to the Olympics.

"It is really pleasing to get the recognition within the sport and I now know that all the hard work I have been putting in is being noticed," said Evans.

"Last year was a busy year and after the worlds, I went to the European Junior Champs in Slovenia and finished 19th.

"The selection process for the Worlds and the Euros has started again now and I hope to go to them and improve on my previous performances.

"The past year has really got me thinking about the Olympics – I would love to be part of 2012 but if not then there is always 2016 to build for."

And slalom canoeist Evans – who competes for and trains at Holme Pierrepont Canoe Club - caught the eye of double Olympic rowing silver medalist Flood in Loughborough.

And the double world champion, who spent individual tuition time with each of the 46 Local Heroes attending, is backing Evans to hog the headlines in 2009.

"It has been a real privilege to come and meet some of these youngsters," said Flood. "I know there's going to be a handful which will go on and represent Great Britain at an Olympic Games, whether that is at London 2012 or in 2016.

"Meeting like-minded athletes from a variety of sports and hopefully tapping into the knowledge and experience of former Olympians can only benefit them in the years to come."

Lloyds TSB is providing £1,000 to over 250 emerging young sports people identified each year across Britain, in the run up to London 2012 and beyond. Visit Lloydstsb.com/Localheroes