Kayaker excels thanks to dad
Wed 01 June 2011
Kate Lees, Bachelor of Journalism
Former swimming champion Pierce Hardy has come along way since his school years at Pacific Lutheran College in Meridan Plains.
When Mr Hardy finished Year 12 five years ago, he made the decision to turn his back on swimming to follow his love of kayaking.
“I had been swimming competitively since I was six,” Mr Hardy said.
“Swimming was good to me but I’d had enough by the end, which is why I chose to focus on kayaking.”
The 20-year-old said the decision to turn his full-time allegiance to kayaking was simple.
However the young athlete had shown enormous potential in his short-lived swimming career.
At 15, he won a silver medal in the 100m backstroke at the Australian National Swimming Titles, which made him the second fastest backstroker in Australia in his age group.
During his school years, Mr Hardy also made a solid contribution to Pacific Lutheran College’s elite kayaking team.
Mr Hardy became kayaking’s under-16 Australian champion in 2006, and in 2007 he was offered a swimming scholarship from Arizona State University which left him at a crossroad.
“I was only 17 and was unsure of where I wanted to go with sport,” Mr Hardy said.
“But I took the plunge and decided to follow kayaking.”
Although he did not accept the scholarship, Mr Hardy’s hard work is paying off.
The 20-year-old made the under-23 Australian Kayaking Team, which will see him travelling to Europe at the end of May, 2011, to train and compete for a month.
The kayaker also studies at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) full-time while fitting in regular training sessions.
“I am excited to have finally made the team,” Mr Hardy said.
“It has been a juggling act this year because I wanted to continue studying.
“But I am pleased to have come this far.”
Mr Hardy is the only Sunshine Coast competitor to be accepted into the team in his age group, undoubtedly an achievement in itself.
The Caloundra local said he is staying true to his roots, and is proud to be an advocate for the Sunshine Coast.
“Kayaking is a sport which fits into the Coast’s lifestyle very easily,” Mr Hardy said.
“I am pleased to be able to represent not just my country but also the Sunshine Coast.”
After his time in Europe, Mr Hardy will fly to Perth in November for the Vajda National Sprint Series where the new season will kick off.
“Once I get back from Europe I’ll be focusing on Grand Prix One,” Mr Hardy said.
“Hopefully I will have good results from overseas and will be able to carry them into the next season.
“I hope to crack into the open team by the end of next season in March.”
Without getting too ahead of himself, Mr Hardy said if he continues to receive good results he would not rule out aiming for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“It is a few years away yet but you never know,” Mr Hardy said.
It is no surprise the kayaker comes from a background of sporting prowess.
Hardy’s father Jeff Hardy is a former paralympian who won a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics for 100m freestyle.
Mr Hardy senior, who is now a qualified massage therapist, said he was proud his son followed in his sporting footsteps.
“I am thrilled Pierce has continued his sporting commitments,” Mr Hardy said.
“It can be tough as an athlete. Physically but also mentally draining when you are training everyday.
“So I am ecstatic Pierce has made the under-23 Australian team.”
Mr Hardy has been a mentor for his son during the past few years, and has provided him with encouragement and advice.
“It is important to have a supportive unit behind you,” Mr Hardy said.
“I strive to help my son in any way I can whether it be with training, study or life in general.”
Mr Hardy said he could not have come this far without his father, who has nurtured him through his sporting success.
“Dad has been with me since day one,” Mr Hardy said.
“When I decided to focus on kayaking he supported me 100 per cent.
“It is great being close to someone who has been in the sporting fraternity for as long as what he has[sic].
“He helps me strive to do my best.”
Mr Hardy’s love for the sport and his determination to achieve seem unstoppable, and with the support his father the young kayaker seems headed for success.
Image(s) designed by Kate Lees
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Submitted Comments
Love it! Congratulations Pierce!
Sophie Ryan