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Marlena has since gone on tocompete in the World CanoeMarathon Cup in Copenhagen,Denmark (2009) and World CanoeMarathon Championships in Portugal,Spain, Italy, Denmark, United Statesof America, Hungry and South Africa(2009–2017).In September Marlena willrepresent Australia in The AustralianCanoe Marathon Team competingat the World Canoe MarathonChampionships in Pietermaritzburg,South Africa in both Open Women’ssingles (K1) and doubles (K2)events. Each race is a 26km coursewith six portages (a section of thecourse where you need to get outof your boat and run with it forabout 200m).“Being part of such a supportivecommunity makes kayaking a sportthat you can take part in throughoutlife,” says Marlena.
It is part of the reason Marlenacontinues to rise early and train.“I keep paddling because I love it!It is such an amazing sport.”A typical training regime consistsof waking at 4.45am with the aimof completing on average 80-110kma week in the boat plus two tothree gym sessions and tworunning sessions.After leaving Strathcona andbetween training Marlena completeda Bachelor of Science; Major inHuman Anatomy and Doctor ofPhysiotherapy from The Universityof Melbourne. She now works fulltimeas a Physiotherapist on top ofher heavy training schedule.Marlena specialises in working withpeople who have had spinal cordinjuries who have become para- orquadriplegics. She enjoys workingwith clients to help them achievetheir desired lifestyle. Whether this
be everyday activities or elite sport,Marlena strives to work with herclients to reach these goals.Being an elite athlete herselfMarlena understands the demandsrequired to train and compete. Shealso has a keen eye for technique,and incorporates this into bothclinic and kayak-based treatments/sessions. Marlena has also gainedvaluable experience working in atertiary hospital with patients afterorthopaedic surgeries, neurologicalconditions and spinal cord injuries.Marlena continues to train and ispreparing for the 2019 World CanoeMarathon Championships and facingher biggest challenge which “isforgetting which bend of the Yarrahas that hidden log underwater whenI’m training in the mornings and it’sstill pitch-black … Good to say thoughthat I haven’t had any surprise swimsalong the way yet.”
Read more about Strathcona’s impressive alumnae
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