APCOM

Less than three months to go for the beginning of Beijing Olympic Games. Time is running fast, however there are still dozens of athletes who are chasing the last vacant passes. Among these are many canoeists, who will try to seize their dream during the European championships that takes place from May 15th to May 18th at the Idroscalo, the big sports and leisure area just outside Milano, near Linate airport.

The continental event sees the participation of over 700 athletes from 40 countries, who compete for two main disciplines, the kayak and the Canadian canoeing, the latter being open only to men. Canoeing is a very loved sport all over the world. As for Italy, it celebrates its 75th year of competitive activity: the federation counts 15,000 members, but around 150,000 Italians practise it just for fun.

As for local athletes, the women's team has already gained the Olympic qualification. The leader is one of the strongest canoeists ever, Josefa Idem, who at age of 44 is preparing for her fifth Olympic. The nicknamed 'Wonder woman' boasts four medals from the previous editions (of which a gold at Sydney 2000), while at a European level she's been the absolute queen for nine times. Of course Idem will try to transmit the right spirit to her younger mates.

On the other hand, in the men's field none of the eleven Italian top athletes has qualified yet. Eyes are pointed on veteran Antonio Rossi, who is aspiring to the fifth time in the Games as well. The three times Olympic champion has won 'only' two medals at the European championships: now he has the opportunity to put the umpteenth seal on his extraordinary twenty year-long career.