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Aimee Fisher heading home to prepare for next Olympic cycle

07:40 am on 17 December 2024

Aimee Fisher from New Zealand in the women's kayak single 500m heats, Paris 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand canoe sprint paddler Aimee Fisher is moving back to her town to start another quest for the Olympics.

Fisher has confirmed she will have one more shot at Olympic glory but will now be based in Hawke's Bay.

The 29 year old has competed in two Olympics, Rio 2016 and Paris 2024, but is yet to win a medal.

She now has her sights set on Los Angeles in 2028.

"One last ride. This will be my final Olympic cycle and this time, I will do it with the village that raised me; I've moved back to Hawke's Bay, where it all began," she said on Instagram.

"Thank you to everyone who became extended family in Auckland during the last 10 years. Forever grateful."

Fisher was born in Rotorua and raised in Hastings.

She was the 2021 K1 500 World Champion and was expected to challenge Dame Lisa Carrington in Paris after beating her in a couple of warmup events.

However she just missed out on the podium, finishing fourth with Carrington winning gold.

Fisher spoke to the International Canoe Federation after the Super Cup in China in October.

"After Paris, my heart was so broken, you know, like I went there with big dreams of coming away as the fastest woman and it just wasn't to be on the day," she said.

"So, you know, like for a few weeks, I was grieving a lot and feeling pretty low, but I've had incredible support from my friends and family.

"I think just getting back in the boat and having this event, you know, to go racing again has been a positive experience, so I'm excited to get back into training and start building for LA.

"There's a desire there, for the K1 500m. That's the one and I'll start training, you know, full-time again and maybe make a plan towards LA."

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