Dame Lisa's life lessons 'I'M LEARNING SELF-COMPASSION'

While our Olympic golden girl takes some quality time with family, she's happy to let her pooch Colin shine!

- Sophie Neville

For the first time in 16 years, Kiwi kayak queen Dame Lisa Carrington has had a chance to catch her breath. Well, sort of. While she's still hitting the water six days a week in preparation for the next Olympics - and made an unexpected return to racing this month - the sporting superstar has enjoyed an extended break from international competition. It's given her something rare: a little extra time.

From weekends away with husband Michael “Bucky” Buck, time spent in her hometown of Õhope, to cuddles with her cavoodle Colin, Lisa's been soaking up all the things she misses when she's travelling and competing. It's undoubtedly been a well-earned change of pace, but if you think she's mastered the art of slowing down, think again.

"It's been so nice to have extra time and space, but I've definitely had a bit of FOMO knowing my teammates were all off racing without me," she laughs. "I'm learning that perhaps I'm not very good at relaxing!"

Just days after chatting with the Weekly, Lisa found herself back in racing mode – jetting off to Italy at short notice to compete in the Canoe Sprint World Championships. While it wasn't part of her original plan, when fellow Kiwi paddler Olivia Brett had to return home with a forearm injury, Lisa didn't hesitate to step in.

"It's not something I thought was on the cards this year, but I feel grateful to be in a position where I can show up - for her, and for the K4. I'm excited."