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Teen canoe slalom athlete Hannah Thomas switches allegiances to New Zealand

April 9, 2019

The 17-year-old has represented Great Britain in the past but wants to fly the Kiwi flag at the next Olympics.

Teenage canoe slalom paddler Hannah Thomas has switched allegiances from Great Britain, saying she wants to fly the New Zealand flag at the next Olympics.

The 17-year-old says she's willing to do anything to reach the pinnacle of her sport.

"My goal is to get the Olympics first of all, and try my best to push for that medal," said Thomas.

The former Brit says she has no regrets about her move to New Zealand.

"I much prefer the atmosphere in the New Zealand team."

Thomas is the national and Oceania junior kayak and canoe slalom champion and finished second behind Olympic silver medallist Luuka Jones at the latest elite New Zealand trials.

"You can see it on the water, I mean Hannah's skills being so young are great and its really exciting to see where she will go in the future," said Jones.

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