VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Canoeist Nevin Harrison On How She Won Paris Gold

At just 22 years old, American canoeist Nevin Harrison has already etched her name in Olympic history.

Harrison, who clinched gold in the women’s canoe single 200 meters at the Tokyo Olympics and a second time this week in Paris, began her journey in the sport at age 11. “It was the first time I ever got in a C1,” Harrison told uInterview exclusively in May. However, her Olympic dreams didn’t truly take shape until she was 17 when she won her first world championship and qualified for Tokyo.

Since then, Harrison’s life has revolved around Olympic preparation. Her rigorous training regimen involves three daily sessions, beginning at 8 a.m. on the water. After a mid-day break, she hits the gym for a two-hour workout, followed by another water session at sunset.

“I’ll be home by 6 or 7 and just chill from then on out,” Harrison said, highlighting the intensity of her daily routine.

The Seattle native’s rise to Olympic glory is particularly remarkable given that women’s canoe events were only added to the Olympic program in 2020. Harrison not only became the first American woman to win gold in canoe sprint but also the first athlete to win gold for the U.S. in canoe sprint since 1964.

Harrison’s success is built on a foundation of mental toughness, which she considers crucial for elite athletes. “My pro tip is to make sure you have people around you that support you and love you,” she advised. “Support system is probably the most important, but also knowing when you need to put your head down and work.”

The young champion’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 14, a condition that threatened to end her athletic career, Harrison persevered through rehabilitation and emerged stronger.

In Paris 2024, Harrison faces stiff competition from rivals like Ukraine’s Liudmyla Luzan and Canada’s Laurence Vincent-Lapointe.

“It’s a balance between all of it really,” Harrison said, referring to the mix of hard work and self-care required to compete at the highest level.