Franklin shares canoe slalom secrets ahead of Paris 2024

Mallory Franklin insists the secret to remaining on top of her game is embracing her pessimistic side.

The canoe slalom world champion from Windsor claimed silver in the first-ever Women's C1 race at Tokyo 2020 and is eager to go one better at Paris 2024.

And contrary to some of her fellow athletes, Franklin deals with the pressure of competing on the world stage by letting her negative thoughts in, rather than keeping any doubts at bay.

"There is pressure associated with coming off the back of Tokyo, having that medal, coming into it having had the results that I have had now that I'm world champion," she said.

"But I view it from the pessimistic side in me. In canoeing, it is so easy to make a split-second decision that destroys all your results and your chances in that race.

"Each time, it always feels like it's not going to happen and I always have to fight for it every time.

"I feel like that pessimism helps me deal with the pressure because people don't know the ins and outs as much, they just view the overall picture rather than the intricacies of every element."

Franklin had to have a titanium pin fitted after snapping the top of her knuckle in training earlier this year but a tricky 2023 ended on a high as she was among the first Team GB athletes to have a place in Paris confirmed.

In addition to the C1, the 29-year-old will also compete in the fast and furious kayak cross event, which makes its Olympic debut, alongside teammates Adam Burgess, Joe Clarke and Kimberley Woods.

"To be able to have my family there and experience the grandeur of the games and really get involved in being part of Team GB again is just amazing," she said.

"Having got that medal in Tokyo, I've got a little tick next to that but I would like to go and take one step further and experience that Games in all of its glory.

"We all bounce off each other as a team and with a new discipline in kayak cross, we've got plenty of time to all bond together and push each other."

Franklin was speaking at the Olympic Park where she met six children selected to be a Team GB Mini Mascot, an extraordinary opportunity to be part of the action on Team GB's journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

She shared her experiences on the world stage with the budding young athletes and believes the Mini Mascot campaign can inspire a generation to get active.

"What I've learnt about myself and how much I've developed through being an athlete, I definitely want to give back and encourage kids to do that and support them on the journey if I can," Franklin added.

"It's amazing for them to be able to get an insight on what it is to be an Olympian and everything that goes with it."

If you'd like to hear more about the Mini Mascots and follow their journey, head to https://www.teamgb.com/article/team-gb-announces-six-children-as-official-mini-mascots-for-paris-2024/68VUqFDbCdljGDTHcEuXpn

Sportsbeat 2023