Knell makes splash on world scene

Bunbury will be represented on the world stage of slalom canoe racing this month when 16-year-old Billie Knell heads to Poland for the ICF junior under-23 world championships.

The South West Academy of Sport athlete will fly out next Sunday for the competition, where she will compete against the world’s best junior canoeists.

Knell competes in the C1 women’s class and was the best Australian competitor in her age division at this year's Australian open competition.

This qualified her for the prestigious world championships.

The young athlete has been training hard since qualifying this year, training on the water up to six times a week, as well as two weight sessions and two cardio sessions and competing on weekends.

Knell said she had no expectations heading into the competition, but was excited to compete.

“I just want to put a run down I am happy with,” she said. “If I get a good result, I will be happy.”