Ben Pope hungry for success at upcoming Canoe Slalom Australian Open

After a successful campaign at the Oceania Canoe Slalom Championships at the end of January, Ben Pope has turned his focus on the upcoming Australian Open, which runs 24-27 February.

“It was a really good race, just so good to be out there again. Because of COVID-19 we haven’t travelled overseas and due to the flooding, that happened over here last year, I haven’t actually competed in a major event in two years before the other weekend. Just having that atmosphere again was incredible.”

“Next week is the Canoe Slalom Australian Open in Penrith, which I’ll be competing in. It will be my second selection race, so going off what happens there I’m hoping to head to Europe to compete in various world cups and championships form June to August.”

Pope, the now 28-year-old, got his first taste for paddling when he was just eleven, after his Mum had organised a paddling skills course for him and a few of his friends.

“After the weekend skills course, myself and my brother were invited to do a school holidays course in slalom itself and that’s when I really started getting into it.

“I did a range of sports growing up, I tried my hand in everything from soccer to cricket to football and even badminton. I picked paddling in the end because it just clicked with me, I really enjoyed it and I like being out on the water, on my own.

Pope’s journey to Australian Team selection didn’t career happen immediately, after missing out on junior teams. However, his first crack at the U/23s Australian squad saw his successful rise to one of the top paddlers in Australia.

“After a slower start to my career, I did a couple of years at the U23 level, where I competed in three World Championships. My best result over this period would have to be placing nineteenth in 2019.

“Since 2014, I have been travelling overseas every year to Europe to compete, spending two to three months over there. My favourite country I’ve raced in would have to be the course in Prague, it’s a really fun course.

“Making the Olympic team has been a long-term goal of mine. Having finished in third place, I only just missed out on the last Olympic Selection.”

When Pope isn’t paddling his way down a rapid of obstacle filled water, he works as a software developer from home.

“I finished my university degree in mechanical engineering, however, I knew it would be fairly challenging finding a job where I could train at the same time, so am working as a software developer.

“The balance between work and training has been good, especially with the ability to work from home. WAIS has been a huge support of mine when it comes to this, particularly when I’m in WA.”

Photo: LivingMoments Studio / Paddle Australia