EKAITZ SAIES

Today was one of those beautiful days in Nottingham.

Our course is well known for its strong winds, but today there was barely a breath. So, rather than watching the training sessions from the bank, I decided to join the athletes on the water.

First, some threshold intervals with Emma Russell, who is making a strong return from injury. Then a tough lactic session with three-time Paralympic champion Emma Wiggs.

Being on the water with both of them was already a highlight of my day.

Then I met Millie.

Twelve years old. She has also had osteosarcoma, the same cancer that Itxaro, the young athlete from my former club that I wrote about recently, experienced. Millie lost her leg as a consequence of the disease.

But what struck me today wasn’t what she had lost.

It was what she had found.

A new kayak. A paddle. The water.

I am probably biased, but I find something incredibly special about gliding across the water, propelled by nothing more than our own strength and skill.

And watching a twelve-year-old girl enjoying that feeling so much filled me with joy.

It also reminded me of something simple.

Sometimes, when life changes our plans, we focus too much on what is no longer possible.

Sport can help us look in another direction.

Not “What can I no longer do?”

But “What can I discover that I can do?”

Today, Millie was gliding across the water, enjoying the moment.

And for a while, nothing else mattered.

I eventually had to leave for a meeting, but that encounter stayed with me.

It made me appreciate, once again, how lucky I am to be able to do what I do.