Joe Clarke
Born: 03/11/1992
Sport: Canoe Slalom
Inspired by a Scouts kayaking trip, Joe Clarke took up the sport aged 11 and has been competing since 2009. He is a two-time world championship medal winner in K-1 team canoe slalom and Rio will be his first Olympic Games.
When did you get into your sport and what inspired you?
2004 —When I saw Campbell Walsh win an Olympics silver medal.
How many sacrifices have you made to do your sport?
100s —I have sacrificed the pleasures of a normal everyday life. When I was younger I missed my school prom, my friends’ and family members’ birthday parties, weddings and funerals. You name it I have probably missed it!
What number matters most to you?
2 —The number I want to hit for a combined bench press/pull compared to body weight before the Olympic Games.
How many countries has your sport taken you to?
15 — And, of all of them, New Zealand is the most picturesque with some amazing white water.
What’s your most impressive gym number?
820 — The number of watts on the kayak ergo
Do you have any number superstitions?
3 — The number of times I splash my face in the start pool
Make sure you follow Joe's journey to Rio 2016 on