Canoeist Jon targets seven marathons in seven days
By Maurice Garvey
LIVING less then 5km from the Liffey has been a blessing for canoeist Jon Simmons, but it is the concern he shares for young people under his wing as a national development coach, that has led him to take on a crazy seven-day challenge.
Lucan resident Simmons, the fiancé of Irish star canoeist Jenny Egan, plans to complete seven marathons (42Km) in seven days in a kayak to raise funds for youth mental health group Jigsaw.
Canoeist Jon Simmons
Level 5 restrictions meant that Jon - a Canoeing Ireland National Talent Development Coach and Head Junior Club Coach of Salmon Leap Canoe Club - can’t currently mentor his junior athletes and although he is available for them 24/7, he knows not everyone has someone they can call in times of need.
The former medal winning Great Britain canoe sprint athlete will set out on Monday, February 1, doing 4km loops at the Salmon Leap Canoe Club in Leixlip.
Jon has experience with world championship marathons, but admits this will be the first challenge of its kind he has ever faced.
“It will be interesting, I have won medals with GB but never done something like this. It is a bit daunting, I will have to pace myself as it is seven days in a row, but hopefully it will go ok,” said Jon.
Jon lives less than 3km from the Salmon Leap Club but acknowledges it has been hard for younger canoeists who are unable to get out during lockdown restrictions.
“It is hard not being able to see the members I’m coaching. I put regular messages to parents for a training plan, but I am actually worried about everybody. I just thought ‘what can I do’ – Jigsaw have been fantastic in the past. They are there for 12-24 year-olds, somebody for them to listen to or talk to, regardless of whether they are an athlete or not.
“I went to talk to them about the kayak plan, and once they realised I wasn’t a madman, they were on board. The people there are really nice.”
Jon is thankful to Canoeing Ireland, Sport Ireland, Salmon Leap Canoe Club, Canoe Centre, Esmark and Finch, Jantex Paddles and H2Pro Precision Hydration for their support in this challenge.
He will also have a bit of support on the water from a few fellow canoeists, who will be just ahead of his kayak, to provide a draft system.
Among those helping out, is Jenny’s brother Peter Egan.
Follow updates on his Instagram page @jonsimm0ns.
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