Two years ago, at the age of 15, Todd Baker had a dream. - to make the US Freestyle Kayak Team and become the Junior World Champion in Freestyle kayaking. Relatively new to the sport of kayaking, Todd and his family worked with the local kayaking clubs, researched programs and started a training plan. This year Todd, 17, reached his goal of competing at the World Championships of Freestyle Kayaking in Penrith Australia as a member of the US Freestyle Kayak Team.
Todd Baker, a junior at Northern York High School, Dillsburg, PA, competed in the World Freestyle Kayak Championships in Penrith Australia, at the Olympic Whitewater Park, January 26 - January 30. Todd joined athletes from 23 countries in the quest for gold in the sport of Freestyle Kayaking. Freestyle Kayaking is not an Olympic sport but also governed by an international committee. Freestyle kayaking is scored based on the variety, technical skill, and difficulty of moves during a 45 second ride in a hole or on a wave.
The qualifying round for Junior men was held on 1/26 when the juniors from 23 countries competed for 10 semi-final spots. Todd amazed the crowd as placed first with scores that would have beaten many of the men's semi-finalists. Todd moved through semi-finals to win a spot as a finalist.
The World Championship Freestyle Finals is a head to head competition among the 5 finalists in each class. With each 45 second ride, the competitor with the lowest score is dropped, and the remaining finalists move on to the next round. Todd moved easily through his first two rides to the medal round, where he won the Bronze Medal. Even though Todd was disappointed, he realizes that Bronze in the World Championships is quite an accomplishment. Freestyle kayakers from around the world recognize Todd as a talented athlete that will be a fierce competitor for years to come. Todd is a member of Wavesport's kayak team and sponsored by RockHedz helmets.