There’s a big surf competition coming up. Eight-year-old Lisa is determined to take part, but she’s nervous. With encouragement from her coach, family and top paddler Māia, she trains hard. But disaster strikes when her canoe capsizes, shaking her confidence. Lisa goes to the river to compose herself and, with the help of her family and dog Colin, she draws on her strength to prepare for the race.
Dame Lisa Carrington DNZM (Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Ngāti Porou) is a world champion flat water canoeist and New Zealand’s most decorated Olympian of all time. She has won nine Olympic medals – eight gold and one bronze – across four consecutive Olympic Games. Lisa Chases a Champion is set in the small beach town of Ōhope, where she first learnt to paddle.
Written by
Lisa Carrington
Illustrated by
Scott Pearson
Grandpa's Toys supporting New Zealand Made