Fruin enjoys regatta experience (From News Shopper)

Fruin enjoys regatta experience

11:03am Wednesday 23rd June 2010 in Sport

By Josh Richards

BROMLEY youngster Toby Fruin was the toast of the town after impressing at the Thames Water London Youth Games regatta.

More than 700 entrants from across 31 boroughs locked horns across four sports at London Docklands, with Ravens Wood School pupil Fruin finishing 16th in the junior boys kayak slalom.

Fruin, who was representing the Borough of Bromley and lives on Hayes Wood Avenue, Hayes, caught the eye at Europe’s largest annual youth sports event.

“The day was really good, but it was very hot while I was out on the water,” said the 12-year-old, who trains at Bromley Canoe Club.

“It was the first time I have been to the London Youth Games and the first time I have ever done anything like it, so it was a lot of fun and a good experience.

“Hopefully I can go back next year.”

Fruin’s performance didn’t go unnoticed by former London Youth Games competitor and Olympic rowing gold medallist Mark Hunter.

The Brit, who won his country’s first-ever lightweight Olympic rowing medal alongside Zac Purchase in Beijing in 2008, is convinced the London Youth Games, will continue to uncover future Team GB gold medallists.

Hunter said: “It was fantastic to see all the kids down at the regatta competing and having fun.

“It’s great for kids to be competing against the different boroughs, to introduce them to sports and to get them involved.

“And who knows, I could have seen another Olympic champion out there on the water here.”

In 2008, Thames Water played a pivotal part in making the Regatta a permanent feature at the London Youth Games and has committed to support it until 2013.