New Zealand's top whitewater kayakers will have one eye on London as they head into this week's world championships in Slovakia.
A nine-strong Kiwi contingent is in Bratislava for the canoe slalom titles, with Beijing Olympian Luuka Jones and top extreme paddler Mike Dawson among those in with a chance of qualifying for next year's Olympics.
Dawson has endured a long season but is confident he can finish among the top 16 in his specialist K1 boat and seal an Olympic berth.
"I'm feeling pretty good and the main thing is just to keep focused leading into the qualification rounds and not get intimidated by the other nations or competitors.
"There are something like 120 men chasing 40 spots in the semifinals and then only 10 make the final this weekend, so it will be pretty fierce racing," Dawson said.
