BASSENDEAN resident Ramon Andersson feels honoured to take part in the Queen’s Baton Relay which marks his return to Governor Stirling Senior High School (GSSHS) where
his Olympic kayaking career began.
The dual Olympian, who was a former student and teacher at GSSHS, was chosen to carry the Commonwealth Games baton near the
Swan River at the City of Swan’s event on February 26.
Andersson (54) won a bronze medal in the K4 team event at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a silver in the
K-4 marathon at the 1991 Canoe Sprint World Championships in Paris and gold in the K-2 marathon at the 1992 Canoe Marathon World Championships in Brisbane.
Andersson, who started kayaking in 1977 as a Year 9 student, said he was nominated for the relay by his former GSSHS colleague.
“The
irony of where the relay is it’s literally right where it was the very first time I stepped into a kayak,” he said.
“I think just the fact that is my school
where I started my kayaking journey as a student and teacher there and we are doing it along the river between Governor Stirling and Guildford Grammar.
“It
will certainly bring back fond memories from when I first started paddling years ago.
“I guess I may see some people that I have not seen for many
years.”
He was a full-time physical education teacher and later a relief teacher between 1986 and 1994, before his kayaking commitments took
over.
The WA Institute of Sport kayak head coach said he had several WAIS athletes who were hoping to achieve more success at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic
Games.
“Every year they have world championships and this year we have a number of athletes competing at world championships and they will have a pretty good
run at it,” he said.
“We certainly have some good prospects who are training hard for Tokyo 2020.
Eastern Suburbs Reporter
