With a place on the 2025 Australian team locked in, Luke Egger is charging toward his ultimate goal — representing Australia at the LA 2028 Olympics
From the shores of Western Australia to the world stage, Luke Egger has earned his place on the 2025 Australian Canoe Sprint Team, and we couldn’t be prouder! A fierce competitor, dedicated athlete, and proud West Aussie, Luke continues to inspire the next generation with his drive, discipline, and down-to-earth attitude.
We sat down with Luke to chat about his journey, what it takes to compete at the elite level, and what representing Australia means to him.
Congratulations on making the Australian U23 Canoe Sprint World Championship Team! How did you feel when you got the news?
I was excited to get the news, I had a really great u23s campaign last year and I’m keen to be a part of the team again.
What inspired you to take up paddling, and when did you realise you wanted to compete at this level
I started paddling at my local club, the Canning River Canoe Club, and I think I always wanted to represent Australia. It wasn’t until the 2016 season I’d say when the dream felt like it could be a reality, and I was fortunate enough to make my first team the following year in 2017.
Can you share a defining moment in your paddling journey that pushed you to aim for the world stage?
I can’t recall any specific moment, but I think it was seeing so many role models above me race internationally and don the green and gold that pushed me to get to that level.
How do you stay motivated during tough training sessions?
I think when you set yourself big goals you give yourself no choice but to keep pushing hard even when the motivation is low.
Competing at this level requires mental strength. How do you handle nerves before a big race?
I try and embrace the nerves; I’ll actually get nervous about not being nervous. I see it as a sign I care and when I care about something I can push myself to my absolute limit to achieve it.
Have you ever faced setbacks in your paddling career? How did you push through?
I’ve faced several injuries throughout my career and each season it’s a challenge to ensure my body is fit for racing. This year it was a fractured heel and some shoulder issues but with the support of all the staff at WAIS I’ve managed to get to the start line in the best condition I can.
What mindset do you take into competition, and how do you stay focused on race day?
I really try and focus on the process of racing, my schedule, my warmup, my race plan. When I make sure my processes are working the racing often takes care of itself.
What advice would you give to young paddlers who dream of representing Australia one day?
Make your priority having fun, it’s a tough sport and when things don’t go your way it’s important you can still find enjoyment in the sport and from the people in it.
What’s something you wish you had known when you first started paddling competitively?
You’re going to lose a lot more races than you win. That’s ok!
How important is having a good support team—coaches, teammates, and family—on your journey?
My support team make what I do possible, I rely on so many people both at WAIS and in my family and I couldn’t be more grateful to have them in my corner.
What are your goals for the upcoming World Championships?
I would like to make an A final in the K1 200m
Where do you see yourself in the next few years in the sport?
I will hopefully get invited to move over to the Gold Coast to train with the Australian men’s team full time in the lead up to the LA Olympic Games.
Finally, what do you love most about paddling, and what keeps you coming back to the water every day?
I have made lifelong friends and when my career in sport is over it will be those relationships that I will take with me for many years to come.
As Luke continues to chase his Olympic dream, he remains a proud ambassador for Western Australia, proving that with talent, grit, and determination, anything is possible. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for this rising star.
To all the young paddlers out there – keep pushing, keep paddling, and who knows, you could be next! And to our WA paddling community, let’s get behind Luke and show our support as he takes on the world!