Wellington: Canoe slalom icon Luuka Jones is set to etch her name in New Zealand’s Olympic history as the third woman to grace the Games stage for the fifth time, embarking on a quest for another medal at the upcoming Paris Games after a formidable battle with long COVID.
At 35 years old, Jones, renowned for her silver triumph in the K1 discipline at the 2016 Rio Games, will stand alongside illustrious figures like shot put legend Valerie Adams and former Olympic sailing champion Barbara Kendall, marking her fifth Olympic appearance as she navigates the waters at Vaires-sur-Marne just outside Paris.
Hailing from the coastal haven of Tauranga on New Zealand’s North Island, Jones carved her path into the annals of New Zealand’s sporting folklore as the pioneer female Olympic canoe slalom paddler and the country’s first medallist in the sport. Her Olympic journey commenced as a bright-eyed teenager at Beijing in 2008, and since then, she has remained a steadfast presence at every subsequent Games.
Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Jones shared, “I remember nearly retiring after the London Olympics. It felt like enough. I didn’t know if I had more to give.” Speaking to reporters following her inclusion in New Zealand’s Olympic roster, she expressed her disbelief at the prospect of competing in her fifth Games: “So to be here today and competing at my fifth, it’s unreal.”
Jones’s road to Paris faced an unforeseen obstacle when she was diagnosed with long COVID in early 2022, forcing her to sideline herself from training and competition for an entire year. However, she defied the odds and made a triumphant return, clinching a World Cup gold last October in kayak cross, a thrilling addition to the Olympic lineup for the Paris Games.
Kayak cross, characterized by its adrenaline-pumping dynamics where four competitors navigate the river’s rapids and gates, will mark its debut at the Paris Olympics. Jones’s resilience in overcoming her health setback resonates deeply as she reflects on her journey: “It was a really shaky time. I’m very grateful to be back and to have my health intact and to be feeling strong on the water. It puts it into perspective, I guess, when you have your health taken away from you. It makes you appreciate it a lot more.”
Accompanying Jones on the canoeing team is Finn Butcher, poised to make his Olympic debut after serving as a reserve in the K1 event at the Tokyo Games three years prior. Butcher, aged 28, showcased his prowess by clinching kayak cross silver at the World Cup last October and has secured a berth in the K1 event at Paris, adding to New Zealand’s medal aspirations in canoeing.
In the face of adversity, Luuka Jones’s resilience shines brightly as she gears up to paddle her way into Olympic history, embodying the spirit of perseverance and determination that defines the essence of the Games.
