Canoeing News  

Baillie and Stott in Olympic contention

By this Sunday night, Tim Baillie (Aberdeen) and Etienne Stott (Bedford) hope to have done enough to paddle their way into GB's canoe squad for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 
 
To fulfil their dream, the Scot and his English partner must win their C2 class at the European Senior Slalom Championships taking place in Krakow, Poland from Thursday until Sunday.
 
With Europe's other top C2 paddlers also gunning for European gold and seeking to secure Olympic selection on the 320 metre long Vistula River course, Baillie and Stott face a tough week. 
 
However, should Britain's no.1 kayakers in the C2 class win their final on Sunday – the day of Baillie's 29th birthday - their selection for Beijing 2008 is almost certain to be ratified by the British Olympic Association (BOA).
 
Furthermore, if Baillie can win European gold and claim his Olympic spot, the Olympic slalom kayaking squad for Beijing will be comprised almost entirely (Stott being the exception) of Scots. 
 
For last month saw Scottish paddlers Campbell Walsh (men's K1), David Florence (men's C1) and Fiona Pennie (women's K1) all win their GB selection trials and secure a bib for Beijing in August.