Sponsored Ads
|
Articles by this Author
»
(E) Croatia's wolves are living up to their storybook reputation
|
Shepherds despair as wolves thrive in Croatia
08 Nov 2004 02:05:09 GMT
By Zoran Radosavljevic
ZAGVOZD, Croatia, Nov 8 (Reuters) - The state has made them a protected species, but shepherds say Croatia's wolves are living up to their storybook reputation as the bad guys.
Wolves roaming rural Croatia are preying on sheep and goats while enjoying more rights than livestock owners.
A simple example sums up the problem: If a shepherd kills a wolf, he faces a 40,000 kuna ($6,800) fine. But if the wolf kills a sheep from your flock, the state pays only 500 kuna, with some delay and only if a state-appointed expert confirms it was a case of lupine wrongdoing.
Shepherds in this remote village in the southern Dalmatia region, separated from the touristy Adriatic coast by Mount Biokovo, say they have had their fill of wolf attacks. The situation is the same in much of rural Croatia.
Hardly a day goes by without a newspaper report of wolves killing sheep, goats or dogs, almost literally before their owners' eyes, prompting demands for a reduction of their number.
Ivica Brnas owns 45 sheep and goats, four cows and a horse, guarded by two well-trained sheep dogs. He recently had a close encounter with wolves that swooped on his flock from nearby slopes.
"I yelled and threw rocks to chase them away. I have become frightened of going into the woods with the livestock. We only go when more of us get together," the 55-year-old said.
"In the old days, wolves came down only in the winter. They were afraid of cowbells and humans. Now they come all the time and are not afraid at all," he said.
WOLVES THRIVE
Josip Kolak of the Zagreb Veterinarian Faculty, who oversees the national wolf management programme, said grey wolves (Canis Lupus) had been exterminated in most of Western Europe. "Their only chance is if we preserve them".
But he said there were many conflicting interests at stake.
"The state and environmentalists are on one side, hunters and shepherds on the other. It is difficult to find a solution that would please everyone".
Kolak said the former Yugoslav republic -- where the wolf became a protected species in 1995 -- was home to up to 170 wolves, considerably more than before its 1991-95 war of independence.
"For some reason, the number of wolves always rises after a war, perhaps because people are too busy killing each other to pay attention to wolves," he said.
In addition, some wolves may have come from neighbouring Bosnia, where they are still a prized target for hunters.
Croatia is actively engaged in several European wildlife projects aiming to protect big carnivores -- the wolf, brown bear and lynx -- all still found here.
Most wolves inhabit the rugged mountains and forests in central Croatia, reaching almost to the Adriatic coast. As part of the project, Kolak tries to tag them and monitor their behaviour in the wild.
INTELLIGENT PREDATORS
Ivica Buljubasic, a veteran hunter from Zagvozd, does the same in his own free time. He says he knows all wolf trails in the area, says he can think like a wolf and even howl like one.
He said the last wolf killed by hunters in the area was in 1975, when there were only one or two wolves on the prowl. Now there are three or four packs operating in the relatively small area of Mount Biokovo and around Zagvozd.
"This is way too much, but the fact that there are so many of them here means they know they are not in danger and there is enough food. However, they've become a threat and a nuisance".
A passionate student of nature and wildlife, Buljubasic said the wolves were more intelligent than humans might believe.
"They are perfect predators, always scouring their territory and knowing exactly where to find food. These wolves are also behaving differently, they are getting used to civilisation and eat everything, dogs, cats, carcasses".
State veterinary expert Boris Sabic said part of the problem was in the traditional loose shepherding that still survives on the slopes of Mount Biokovo.
"A lot of livestock roam free, without supervision and out in the open and that is ideal easy prey for wolves. But a lot of farmers protect their cattle and have dogs, and yet they are attacked," Sabic said.
Despite all that, Kolak said the wolf never attacks humans and should be regarded as an asset, not a marauder.
"However, you cannot sell that line to shepherds," he said. "We must create a situation in which shepherds can also benefit from the wolf's presence, because of tourists coming to see the wolf in the wild."
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L27258261.htm
|
»
(E) The wooden houses in Croatia's European stork village
|
Croatia's European stork village, have fallen silent since their feathered inhabitants flew south 
A stork flies above Cigoc near Zagreb. The wooden houses in Croatia's European stork village, have fallen silent since their feathered inhabitants flew south before the autumn rains turn the area into a vast marsh(AFP/File) AFP/File - Nov 09 8:28 AM 
A stork stands on top of a roof in the village of Cigoc in July 2004. The wooden houses in Croatia's European stork village, have fallen silent since their feathered inhabitants flew south before the autumn rains turn the area into a vast marsh(AFP/File) AFP/File - Nov 09 8:28 AM
|
»
(E) Katherine Tulich, on the jury for Cinematic Discoveries
|
Croatian Australian, Katherine Tulich part of the international jury ... and more 
International and Canadian Cinematic Discoveries Take Awards at Toronto International Film Festival®
The Festival welcomed an international FIPRESCI jury for the 13th consecutive year. The 2004 jury comprises president Henry Sheehan, (KPCC-FM and KCET-TV, USA), Katherine Tulich (Sunday Magazine and Seven Network Australia, Australia), and Norman Wilner (Metro Toronto, Canada).
September 19, 2004
International and Canadian Cinematic Discoveries Take Awards at Toronto International Film Festival®
Toronto – With a final tally of 328 films (including 98 world and 81 North American premieres), from 60 countries, unspooling over 10 days, the 29th Toronto International Film Festival wrapped on Sunday, September 19th with its annual Awards Brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
AGF PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Sponsored by one of the Festival’s major supporters, the AGF People’s Choice Award is voted on by Festival audiences – known worldwide for their enthusiasm and love of cinema. The 2004 award goes to Terry George’s HOTEL RWANDA, (United Kingdom/South Africa/Italy) the true story of an ordinary man whose love for his family inspired him to an extraordinary act of courage that saved the lives of more than one thousand helpless Rwandans during the 1994 genocide.
DISCOVERY AWARD
Pete Travis’ OMAGH (Ireland/UK) is the recipient of the Discovery Award. A powerful and intense story about the unsung victims and the grieving families left behind by a catastrophe, OMAGH examines the tragic 1998 IRA bombing of the small Irish market town of Omagh. The press corps, which consists of more than 750 international media, voted on the Discovery Award.
FIPRESCI PRIZE
The FIPRESCI Prize is awarded to New Zealand director Brad McGann’s IN MY FATHER’S DEN (New Zealand/UK) "for its emotional maturity, striking performances, and visual grace." IN MY FATHER'S DEN follows a prize winning war journalist as he returns to his remote New Zealand hometown after a 16-year absence and is forced to confront the secret that has surrounded him for his entire adult life. This prize is annually bestowed upon a feature film directed by an emerging filmmaker, and making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Festival welcomed an international FIPRESCI jury for the 13th consecutive year. The 2004 jury comprises president Henry Sheehan, (KPCC-FM and KCET-TV, USA), Katherine Tulich (Sunday Magazine and Seven Network Australia, Australia), and Norman Wilner (Metro Toronto, Canada).
CITYTV AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FIRST FEATURE FILM
The Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature was given to Daniel Roby’s LA PEAU BLANCHE, "for its audacious genre bending as well as its mix of race politics, romance and horror." Established by sponsor Citytv, the award carries a cash prize of $15,000 and is presented to a Canadian filmmaker whose first feature film is considered exemplary. This award acknowledges the fresh new talent emerging within Canadian cinema.
TORONTO – CITY AWARD FOR BEST CANADIAN FEATURE FILM
The Toronto – City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film was awarded to Michael Dowse’s IT’S ALL GONE PETE TONG, "for its funny, engaging and flawless portrayal of a flawed character as well as for its ability to capture the infectious rhythms of the club scene." Presented annually at the Toronto International Film Festival and generously co-sponsored by The City of Toronto and Citytv, the Toronto – City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film carries a cash prize of $30,000.
A special jury citation is awarded to Velcro Ripper’s SCAREDSACRED, "for its ability to take the audience on a very personal journey that has universal resonance in a time of paranoia and uncertainty, and for finding hope in moments of despair."
CANADIAN FEATURE FILM AWARDS JURY
The Citytv Award for Best Canadian First Feature Film and the Toronto – City Award for Best Canadian Feature Film were selected by the following jury members: director Catherine Martin (MARIAGES); Ellen Baine, Vice-President of Programming at CHUM Television; Kyle Rae, Toronto City Councillor; Luc Déry, head of micro_scope, and director Clement Virgo (LOVE COME DOWN).
BRAVO!FACT SHORT CUTS CANADA AWARD
The Bravo!FACT Short Cuts Canada Award offers a $10,000 cash prize. The award goes to MAN FEEL PAIN, directed by Dylan Akio Smith. Crisply written, darkly hilarious, and sparsely staged, this comedy explores a weighty subject through the banality of the everyday. The jury comprises director Jennifer Baichwal (THE TRUE MEANING OF PICTURES: SHELBY LEE ADAMS’ APPALACHIA); editor, actor, and director Robert Kennedy (HI, I’M STEVE); and Kelly M. DeVine, a buyer for the Independent Film Channel.
Canada First! and Short Cuts Canada is generously sponsored by CHUM Television. The Short Cuts Canada award is generously sponsored by Bravo!FACT (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent) The Awards Brunch is generously sponsored by the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
© 2004. Movie City News. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.moviecitynews.com/Notepad/2004/040919_prl.html Katherine Tulich
Entertainment
Katherine travels the world interviewing the big stars for Sunrise. Over the years, she's cemented herself as one of Australia's leading entertainment writers. She constantly secures access to celebrities that other reporters can only dream of. Last year alone, she spent time with the likes of Elton John, John Mayer, Celine Dion and Avril Lavigne.
http://seven.com.au/sunrise/regular_040129_katherinetulich
|
»
(E) Beauty abounds in Zadar, Croatia - Help Promote Vote
|
Beauty abounds in Zadar, Croatia 
Help support promotion of Croatia worldwide. Dear Al, I read the article and I support Alan Nemaric. If you feel the same please do so. Articles like this helps all of us to present our culture and heritage the way is SHOULD be presented in the first please. Article is number 2. Feel free to read all of the articles and decide on your own. I vote for Zadar. Nenad Bach
Dear Nenad,
FYI, I am an active writer. I have submitted an article meriting Zadar's tourism attractions. I'm competing against 5 other writers. Can I request that you ask your readers to vote for ENTRY #2 and to read my article? If it wins it will be printed nation wide in the Sun chain of newspapers, large circulation (millions)! I also win a 2 day trip in Canada (honestly, this really is not the reason I submitted the article). Help support promotion of Croatia worldwide.
http://travel.canoe.ca/Travel/Contest/MyTravels/2004/11/13/715868.html
Sincerely,
-Alan Nemaric P.S. Nenad, you're doing a great job.
Beauty abounds in Zadar, Croatia
By ALAN NEMARIC -- Special to Canoe Travel
Alfred Hitchcock once said that Zadar, Croatia had the most beautiful sunsets in the world. After my most recent visit I would have to agree, but at the same time state that the sunset is just one of many reasons to visit this 3000 year old historic Dalmatian city.
If you're not into swimming and sunbathing on Zadar's 5-star public or clothing optional beaches, there's always the nightlife, the restaurants and mountain climbing. But if you're more of an armchair quarterback and would rather have a cocktail and watch the
beautiful people walk by... I can direct you to the best spot in the world...to front row centre!
In picturesque downtown Zadar, near the main square, lies a tiny pub called "Bar Toni". "Toni" as the locals call it, sits on one of the old city's many narrow Roman and Baroque cobblestone pathways. What's so special about this place? Because this bar is so close to the Central Square and main shopping area (Benetton, Armani, Diesel, Mango, Image Haddad, Bata, etc.) most residents and visitors to this Adriatic city must walk by Bar Toni. There is no avoiding it!
Like many European cities, it is customary for locals in Zadar, when visiting the old city, to look their best. If you're fortunate enough to get one of Toni's 6 outdoor seats, don't expect to be served quickly. Slow an easy is the working pace in Zadar. Once you have ordered your cappuccino or "pelinkovac and tonic" (local favourite), just sit back, put your sunglasses on, light up a Marlboro Light
(yes, smoking is still legal in Europe) and wait for the show to commence. You won't believe your eyes. In a matter of minutes you will be overwhelmed with visions of absolute physical beauty.
The local women and men are naturally tall, tanned, attractive and most importantly "stylish". You'll feel like you're sitting next to Madonna, watching an actual runway model show in Milano! Blondes, Brunnettes, Red Heads...there's an abundance of all on them. Croatians, Italians, Germans, Dutch, Hungarian.....all dressed to impress.
It's common for people to sit at "Toni's" for hours a day, nursing their drink and hoping for a particular "man or woman" of their dreams to walk by at least one more time. It's the place where men of all ages muster up enough courage to finally say "hello" to the pretty, yet mysterious, woman who always manages to throw them a glance or smile.
Toni's is the place where young hearts come alive and where old hearts reminisce. Toni's is the place where people are young, no matter how old they are. It's hard to believe that after all these years, this little Bar on Miha Klaif Street still packs the customers in, not for the quality of food, not for the drinks and certainly not for the service. People still come here to sit and watch the beautiful
people and if they're lucky, one of those beautiful people will be buying them their next drink! Bar Toni is open Monday's to Sunday's, 7am to 2am!
|
»
(E) A Studio City Journalist Highlights Freedom from Despair
|
A highlight of the festival was the Best Documentary winner, “Freedom From Despair� A Studio City Journalist Highlights "Freedom from Despair"
SCOOPS
- by Marci Marks
Last Sunday the parking lot next to the Mann’s Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard was turned into a winter wonderland for the premiere of “The Polar Express�. Cavorting in the fantasy land of snow and polar bear sculptures were star Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson, Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri who composed the original songs for the film, and Rob Reiner with a bunch of his kids loving every minute. Later, as the lights went down in the theater, Tom Hanks yelled “All Aboard� from the center of the theater to the delight of the crowd. Missing and missed was Josh Groban, stuck in NY, who sings the beautiful ballad “Believe,� which is heard as the credits roll at the end of the film. Groban’s upcoming album and DVD, recorded “Live at the Greek,� in L.A., will be out next month.
Competing with the AFI Film Festival and the American Film Mart, The 2nd International Student Film Festival brought an extraordinary six-day program to the El Portal Theater in NoHo. Beverly Garland told the young filmmakers to never stop pursuing their dreams in the opening night ceremony at which Jennifer Lynch, following in dad David’s footsteps, received the Honorary Young Directors Award. The Festival had over 100 films screened during a five-day period. Entries came as far away from Russia and as close as L.A.Valley College. Founder and ISFFH President Robin Saban said it best at the awards ceremony, “While we can only give out so many prizes, you are all winners,� perhaps speaking to a future Spielberg or Coppola.
A highlight of the festival was the Best Documentary winner, “Freedom From Despair�, by Brenda Brkusic, a moving account of the untold history of Communist Yugoslavia. The film portrays the incredible journey of Kruno Brkusic, Brenda’s father who as a young boy risked his life crossing the border to Italy from a repressive regime that suppressed Croatian culture through state-sanctioned terror, imprisonment and exile. Years later, as a successful businessman in Chicago, Brkusic became a voice to challenge the journalistic community and the first President Bush on their silence as Serbia massacred over 250,000 people in the Balkans. Acclaimed actors John Savage and Michael York donated their talents as the Narrator and translating Voice Over, respectively. Savage was also at the closing night ceremony to congratulate Brenda on her win. He spoke of how filming on location overseas had introduced him to the beauty of the land and the people of Croatia. This committed actor, who organized a children’s theater group to perform for free in public housing, is currently filming the second season of the HBO Series “CARNIVÀLE�, which I am anticipating.
Ashlee Simpson put the “Saturday Night Live� lip-synching debacle behind her with a shopping spree at Dari, the ultra hip Studio City boutique owned by William Shatner’s daughter, Melanie. With camera crew in tow, the younger Simpson sister showed she has the chops when it comes to shopping.
Studio City Sun http://www.studiocitysun.com/news/anmviewer.asp?a=412
http://www.studiocitysun.com/
|
»
(E) Miro Clogs - The best Clogs in the world
|
www.woodenclogs.com Dear All, MiroClogs are one of the best clogs available today. Made in Croatia by Croatian, nothing to do with China. Miro is also looking for business partners as distributors. You can contact Miro at the number and email below. I endorse it wholeheartedly. Those Wooden Clogs are flexible, comfortable and anatomically designed to support the arch. And I love the logo, that actually describes Miro as he is. Nenad Bach Flexible wooden clogs designed and handmade in Croatia.
Manufactured from best natural materials - leather and wood - Miro Clogs are unique, and offer more than you expect. Select from many different models and styles.
All sizes available. Redefining the meaning of foot comfort 
Milano is by far our most popular model. It looks and fees great either on a man's or woman's foot. In addition to its classic shape, the color makes it appropriate to wear with any style and color of daily clothes. These are virtually maintenance free, as the color burgundy is virtually immune to specks of dirt. Features include: - classic clog contour
- flexible wooden sole
- strap
Miro Clogs are imported from Europe by: Miro Clogs Contact: Address: 1780 First Avenue, Suite 3F, New York, NY 10128 Phone: (212) 410-9098 MiroClogs@yahoo.com 
www.miroclogs.com
|
»
(E) Croatia Star Rapaic Joins Standard
»
(E) Karmen Jericevic of Croatia to play guard at MLC
|
Karmen Jericevic of Croatia to play guard at MLC
By Brent Wasenius/Managing-Sports Editor
Several new faces are expected to play prominent roles for the Midland Lutheran College women's basketball team in 2004-05.
The Lady Warriors open the season at 7:30 tonight at Hopkins Arena against Peru State. On Saturday, Midland plays College of St. Mary at 4 p.m. in Hopkins.
Midland lost several players from last year's squad that finished 16-13 overall, including 7-11 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.
"We need some experience individually and as a team," Midland coach Joanne Bracker said. "It is a younger group. It takes a while to get to know each other's tendencies and strengths and weaknesses."
Among the players lost to graduation were Jill Hayden, a four-year starter at point guard. The Lady Warriors will also be without the services of Prague native Trisha Petrzelka. The junior forward will miss the season while recovering from knee surgery.
Bracker does, however, have five players with varsity playing experience.
Rebecca Garrelts, a 6-0 center, started seven games last year while averaging 8.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Garrelts missed several games because of illness last winter, but is back to 100 percent.
"She looks great," Bracker said. "She is 6-foot, but she can score with a 3-point shot. She has a nice jumper or can go inside and post up. Her strength is her scoring ability."
Shari Elofson, a 6-2 junior from North Bend, played in 27 games last year while averaging 5.6 points and 4 rebounds per game.
Liz Sneed, a 5-10 sophomore, is expected to play a bigger role this season. Sneed was bothered by injuries and illness as a freshman.
"She is capable of huge offensive numbers," Bracker said. "If she is healthy, she could be a great player for us."
Sophomore Kendra Kuncl, a 5-4 guard, is the leading candidate to replace Hayden at point guard. Melanie Hinken, a 5-6 sophomore guard from Fremont, also figures to play more this year.
"She is an outstanding athlete and plays great defense," Bracker said.
Allie Rippe, a 5-9 forward-center from Johnson, is one of the newcomers expected to contribute.
"She plays inside, but adds a different dimension," Bracker said. "She is real quick and has excellent court sense. She is one of those players that was very active on the court in high school. She has had some excellent scrimmage games."
Karmen Jericevic (5-8) of Croatia will play both guard positions. Tremaine Toussaint (5-8), a transfer from Penn Valley (Kan.) Community College, will also provide backcourt depth.
Additional help is expected to come from Ashley Bruegman, a 5-10 forward from Pierce, Allen native Angie Sullivan (5-8) and Stacia Fricke (5-11) of Ulysses.
"This is an outstanding group to coach," Bracker said. "It is one of those situations that we should see improvement with each practice and game. That is always motivating and rewarding."
http://www.fremontneb.com/articles/2004/11/05/sports/sports2.txt
|
»
(E) Croatian Antonia Perhat, setter for Lancers
|
Croatian Antonia Perhat, setter for Lancers Lancers take aim at junior college volleyball title
BY ALAN DELL CORRESPONDENT
BRADENTON -- They've come from all over the world seeking a second chance. What they've gotten is an opportunity of a lifetime.
The undefeated Manatee Community College volleyball team, ranked sixth in the country, begins state tournament play today with its eye on a national championship. It supersedes anything the players had in mind when they gathered for their first practice last August in a scene that resembled a United Nations convention.
Alicia Stritz, one of the few area women on the team, joined MCC after she gave up basketball because she could not regain the speed she lost when she tore her anterior cruciate ligament as a senior at Out-Of-Door-Academy.
Antonia Perhat, the Lancers' setter from Croatia, came to MCC when her college of choice, Oral Roberts University, had too many setters and couldn't make good on the scholarship she was promised when she left her country.
Vanessa Targino from Brazil tried out for the team because she needed scholarship money to attend college. The oldest player at 25, she was a first-team Suncoast Conference selection.
Palmetto High graduate Rachel Taylor came to MCC because she is a self-described "homebody," who couldn't bear to be away from her family.
Alexandra Karastathi, the Lancers' 6-foot-2 middle arrived from Athens, Greece, needing time to heal a surgically repaired shoulder that scared Division I coaches away, at least temporarily. She is the 2004 Suncoast Conference Player of the Year.
Judit Vass, who was born in Hungary and came to Sarasota at 14 where she played for Booker High, was just looking for a place to play when she asked for a tryout at MCC. She responded by leading the Lancers with 444 digs and was a first-team Suncoast Conference choice.
Marjolein Vermeersch from Belgium, another six-foot-plus hitter, came to Sarasota on a visit, decided to try out for the team on a whim and hasn't left.
The orchestrator of this international symphony is Ken Deterding, Suncoast Conference Coach of the Year. He wanted to coach volleyball so badly he agreed to work on a sod farm in Arcadia after leaving his coaching duties at Idaho State because he couldn't bear the freezing weather anymore.
Now 48, Deterding subsequently founded the Gulf Coast Juniors Volleyball Club in Clearwater, which has gained statewide prominence.
The girls have come together and after running to a 23-0 record and a Suncoast Conference Championship, the goals are much loftier. They are talking about bringing home the school's first national volleyball championship.
Deterding thinks that's a real possibility, and his opinion should be respected. Before leaving Idaho State for Arcadia, the Illinois native traveled throughout the Midwest and was highly successful coaching women's volleyball.
What he likes best about this MCC team is its athleticism and attitude.
"This could be the most talented team I've ever had," Deterding said.
The girls said the bond they have formed, despite sometimes having to fight their way through various versions of English accents to communicate, is their biggest asset.
They all agree a key to their success is Perhat, a 5-foot-11, sleek setter, who looks more like a point guard than a volleyball standout.
She is quick, tall and has a 25-inch vertical jump.
Being left-handed is a bonus because it throws the other teams off, Deterding said.
On the shy and quiet side, Perhat feels she landed in a fantasy world ever since she stepped off the plane in Florida. She leads the Lancers with 643 assists and added 226 kills and 64 aces.
"In Croatia, you can't mix sports and education. You have to do one or the other, but here they are connected and that's why I came," she said. "I was in a cultural shock when I first got here. I couldn't breathe because it was so hot and humid. In Croatia, people never say hello and how are you doing to people they don't know. People here always saying 'I am sorry; I am sorry,' when they don't have to. It makes you feel good."
Karastathi, the Lancers' youngest player, who leads the team with 346 kills and has 36 blocks, looks as if she could muscle her way around the low post if she ever decided to play basketball.
"I like volleyball because there is no touch with the other team. It's everything about the ball," the 17-year-old Karastathi said. "Basketball is more of a touch game, and sometimes you get into fighting, which I don't like. Volleyball, it's just you and the ball."
The 5-foot-10 Taylor, who has 254 kills, said the camaraderie between the girls is its strongest asset.
"We don't have a lot of cat fights and we don't talk about each other a lot," Taylor said. "If we didn't get along we wouldn't do that well on the court. We care about each other, and that makes us play better as a team."
MCC opens state tournament play today at Brevard Community College in Titusville. If the Lancers win the Florida Gulf District section of the tournament it qualifies for the National Junior College Athletic Association Tournament, slated for Nov. 22-24 in West Plains, Mo.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041104/SPORTS/411040592/1006&Page=2
|
»
(E) Kayaking championship in Croatia next year
|
Kayaking championship in Croatia next year Ferguson has one more golden era in his sights
By TERRY MADDAFORD
Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald's last stand - at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics - spelt the end of the golden era for New Zealand canoeing and for the next decade flatwater kayaking was little more than a ripple on recreational lakes.
Ben Fouhy then paddled into view, quickly becoming world champion and then Olympic silver medallist. His switch from whitewater and multisport gave new hope.
Ferguson, now national coach, then had his passion for the sport rekindled. He and his small team went flat out but came up just short at the Athens Olympics leaving many wondering where to now.
Ferguson has no doubts.
"I'm determined not to let it go to sleep like it did after Paul and I quit," Ferguson said.
"There are a lot of paddlers out there who need help. Our sights now have to be set on [the 2008 Olympics] Beijing.
"I want to get more coaches involved. We are in the process of setting up an identification process.
"It is good to have a group of young guys coming through. They need all the help we can give them.
"We have a 17, 18 and 20-year-old out there. Anyone of them could be a world-beater. That excites me."
There will be changes.
Fouhy and Steven Ferguson of the old guard are certain to be at the forefront of the next Olympic campaign. Mike Walker and Peter Longdill are taking a break, but Ferguson expects they will continue, as will rising star Troy Burbridge. He says we have seen the last of Australian-based Dave Kennedy and Owen Hughes.
Ferguson is loathe to dwell on the Hughes outburst during the Olympics.
"I pretty much ignored Owen Hughes. We were given a top 13 criteria by the Olympic selectors. He did not meet that. It was not my decision. I don't understand the boy's brain.
"He wanted something he could not have. I don't know why he picked on me. He got grumpy and spat the dummy."
Ferguson prefers to look ahead saying both Fouhy and his son Steven have unfinished business.
"Steve is doing some swimming while Ben is taking a break but keeping himself in shape with multisport and some mountain biking. He is doing more paddling than riding though. He is still down at the [canoe] club regularly.
"He is just taking a break from strict kayak training. He was so intense for two years. Nothing got in way of his training. I have never met anyone so focused. I want him to win at the next Olympics."
Having his longtime girlfriend Katie Pocock involved helps Fouhy's focus.
Ferguson said while it is unlikely Pocock's favoured K1 1000m will be introduced in Beijing, he was keen to help her increase her speed.
Ferguson is unsure of Fouhy's plans for next year's world championships in Croatia in August where he would defend his K1 1000m title.
"I'm not going to ask him about that until after he has had a break. I want him ready for Beijing but if he came to me in March, he would be ready to race in April."
Ferguson was surprised at suggestions that Fouhy was giving the sport a break.
"He was talking candidly and it seems his comments were taken too literally. He was surprised it came out like that.
"I hope Ben will compete at our nationals in February but I know he won't unless he feels he would be competitive. Knowing him as I do, I'm sure he will be."
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sports/sportsstorydisplay.cfm?storyID=3607525&thesection=sport&thesubsection=watersports&thesecondsubsection=general
|
|
|
full story
printer version
