White water paddler Luuka Jones is not allowing any distractions, let alone a FaceTime with her chickens back home, in the build up to Sunday's canoe slalom heats at the Tokyo Olympics.
Luuka Jones. Photo: John Cowpland / Photosport
Having won New Zealand's first ever canoe slalom medal at the Rio Olympics, Jones is aiming for gold in Tokyo.
Jones fronted to media in Tokyo today, after spending the past few weeks training at the course in the build up to the big day.
"The course is great. They made some changes since we were in 2019. There were a few sections which were a little bit flat but they've been made into really good features."
She said the canoe team had been using the past few weeks to relearn the course and come to grips with its features.
But she admitted the heat in Tokyo had been a challenge.
"We have to put on lifejackets, helmets and it is 30 degrees."
While Jones is in Tokyo her flock of chickens have been left in the hands of friends and family.
But Jones said she would be saving any welfare checks for after the competiton.
"I had to split them up so Helen and Debbie went to my Mum's neighbour's house. Belinda is at a friend in Tauranga.
"The other three chickens are just free ranging at the landlord's house."
But she has not been in contact with them recently, she told reporters.
"I have been putting off getting information about them in case they are dead. I'd rather not have that trauma before my race.
"I will FaceTime them afterwards."
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