AMBITIOUS Malvern sprint kayaker Emily Lewis has been busy at winter training with an eye on making next year’s Rio Olympics.

The multiple national champion and world and European finalist starts her season in April after seven months of preparation work in colder conditions.

The Worcester Canoe Club competitor, 22, said: “I aim to be national 200-metre champion this season.

“From there, I hope to be under 23s world champion in the summer, which should push me for Olympic selection. That is my ultimate goal.

“At the moment, we are only two months away from competition so I’m in a very specific and intense phase of training.

“On a typical day, I wake up at 5.30am to be on the water at 6.30am and mid-morning I’ll do a strength endurance gym session.

“By 4pm, I’m back on the water for my second session. I’ll also have to coach most days to help fund my lifestyle.

“Most nights, I aim to be asleep by 10pm. I train six days a week three times a day with Sundays off.

“I have two recovery sessions per week consisting of yoga and a spa-sauna session, which are possible thanks to the support of The Malvern Spa’s facilities.

“On top of that, I’ll watch box sets, sleep and walk my dog.”

The former St Mary’s Worcester Girls’ School pupil, who was a Great Britain youth international before taking two seasons out from racing, also keeps a specific diet ahead of the new campaign.

She added: “It’s very close to a paleo diet or caveman if you like.

“So I cut out grains and eat lots of fresh, organic vegetables, meat and eggs.

“I supplement with high-quality fish and flax oil, providing me with the omega oils to replenish my nervous system.”