Event: K1 canoe slalom
Who is she? Born in Armoy, Co. Antrim, raised in France but now based in Belfast, Hannah Craig will represent Ireland at an Olympics for the first time later this month.
The 27-year-old competes in the K1 canoe slalom and is coached by her Dutch partner Han Bijnen.
Road to London: Craig missed the cut first time round during the 2011 World Championships but secured her Olympic spot at the European Championships, which were held in Augsburg, Germany, in May. She finished 25th to take one of the two spot available to countries who had not already qualified.
It’s a massive achievement for Craig, who was just short of qualifying for Beijing four years ago.
What she says about herself: “I really love my sport and qualifying for the Olympics will give me the chance to raise the profile of what is a hugely exciting sport.
I am proud I was able to perform on the day, and want to perform in London, not just be there.” (BBC Sport)
Medal chances: Favourite to take gold in this event is Slovakia’s Jana Dukatova, who pipped reigning Olympic champion Elena Kaliska to a place. Each athlete runs the course twice during the heats and the best 15 are chosen for semi-final places – with the 10 fastest from them making the final to battle it out for a medal. It’s a tough ask for Craig and Jimmy is giving a one.
On the Twitter: She’s not there, sadly.
If she were a YouTube video she would be? Lykke Li – I Follow Rivers
YouTube credit: BBLse
