The 30 year-old former cross country skier turned cyclist is now a two time world champion after taking up the sport only two short years ago. Currently a Ph.D student at the University of Alberta, Tara did what no other Canadian has ever done at the world cycling championships. She became the first Canadian to win two world championship titles in the same year by winning both the individual pursuit race and the soon to be introduced Olympic event - the omnium - a five race discipline consisting of a 200 metre time trial, individual pursuit, scratch race, points race and a 500m time trial. Tara is now only the third Canadian of all time to win world championship gold on a veledrome track. Imagine the possibilities in 2012 when between now and then the amount of time Tara will have spent in the sport will actually double.
Not sure if you heard but Adrian Spracklen is joining his father Mike as a coach with Rowing Canada. Adrian's duties are presently unknown but this blogger feels that Adrian will oversee the Lightweight Men's Program in Victoria, who are currently without a coach since the death of Bent Jensen in 2008. Prior to his arrival in Victoria, Adrian was the head rowing coach of Mercyhurst College - a division II school in the United States where he coaches a number of top lightweight men.
An unknown here in Canada - Adrian is well respected by his athletes. Bethany Brun a former team captain with the Mercyhurst Program called Adrian a "nice guy and wonderful coach." At the very least Adrian and his family will improve the scenery at Elk Lake in Victora. Adrian's adopted son Rowan won the "cutest kid" contest on an nation wide contest on ABC beating out 50,000 kids.
The question that remains within Rowing Canada circles is who will assist Al Morrow at the London Training Centre in London, Ontario. Rowing insiders speculate that Mike Thompson - a development (U23) coach within Rowing Canada will get the post. Another possible name being thrown around is that of Alison Dobbs - currently working with Mike in Victoria. Of course this is just mere speculation.
Did you know Tara tried rowing a while back?
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