Hemmings believes Olympic programme changes suit Great Britain

By Nick Howson, Sportsbeat

SIX-TIME world champion Anna Hemmings believes changes to the London 2012 canoeing schedule can be the catalyst for an increased medal haul for Great Britain.

 
OPTIMISTIC: Anna Hemmings believes the addition of the 200m race to the London 2012 Olympic programme will pay dividends for Great Britain (Getty Images)

Both the men and women have seen the 200m event added to the agenda for the London Olympics, with Tim Brabants losing one of his favoured events, the 500m, the discipline in which he took bronze in two years ago.

However, the decision has benefited fellow Brits Ed McKeever and the sprint team of Johnny Schofield and Liam Heath, who all struck gold during August's World Championships, while Rachael Cawthorn claimed bronze at the World Cup in June, successes that breed optimism at the event's inclusion, according to Hemmings.

"I think for the British team it has been a great addition as a whole to bring in the 200m because all of sudden we've chances for other guys on the team to excel in 2012," she said.

"You look at that the other people who are out and out sprinters, the likes of McKeever, Johnny Schofield and Liam Heath; they'll be pretty excited that this event has come in, and they're already doing well, we've already got European champions and world champions in the 200m."

"As for Rachael, she's young, she's got a lot more to give over the next couple of years and I'll think she'll only improve."

Brabants won 1000m gold at Beijing 2008, and after taking 18 months out of the sport to return to medicine, is aiming for another Olympic gold following his World Championship 1000m silver last month.

Hemmings can understand the 33-year-old's disappointment at the change of events but despite his time out of the sport, she is tipping him for more success in 2012.

"It was quite a controversial decision to drop the 500m and bring in the 200m," she added.

"For the likes of Tim it will be disappointing because up until Beijing there have always been two events for him compete in and now he's lost one event there's only one chance to win a medal.

"I think a lot of people doubted whether that was a good decision (taking 18 months out) or not and I think that already he has proved that it was probably OK.

"He came back this season and he won a silver medal at the World Championships which is incredible so he can only get better. He's got two more years to build on that."

Hemmings is only a month older than Brabants but has opted to hang up her paddle and this month was appointed to the SkillsActive board where she will help set strategic direction and make decisions about its leadership, management and delivery.

"I am delighted and privileged to be appointed to the board of SkillsActive at such an exciting and challenging time," she added.

"SkillsActive's work is essential for improving the nation's health and wellbeing. I hope my professional sports background will provide a different perspective around the board table."