KEY POINTS:
Luuka Jones, 19, will next month become the first New Zealand woman to compete in Olympic Games slalom kayaking.
Her nomination was today accepted by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), after she qualified at a World Cup series at Tacen, Slovenia, this week.
She had secured an Olympic spot for New Zealand at the Oceania Championships in Australia in March.
Originally from Tauranga, Jones is now based in Nottingham, the home of the United Kingdom slalom team, where she is able to train and compete with some of the world's most experienced slalom racers.
Slalom kayaking sees paddlers race over a course containing whitewater rapids.
"Luuka's selection is exciting. Canoe/kayak slalom is a thrilling sport and she's a trailblazer for us. She's a strong long-term prospect," NZOC selector Barry Maister said.
Jones also has her sights set on the future.
"For me, the sky is the limit," she said in a statement.
"I've always made a total effort even when the odds seemed entirely against me."
- NZPA
