Joining the Poverty Bay Club under the coaching of Liz Thompson, she made quick strides and at the age of 16 competed at the 2016 Olympic Hopes regatta in Szeged, Hungary – qualifying for the A Final in all four events she entered – and was named Canoe Racing NZ’s Junior Kayaker of the Year.

Her career received a jolt just two weeks ahead of the 2017 Junior World Championships when it emerged she had the heart condition – Parkinson White Syndrome. She underwent successful surgery for the condition, which can cause rapid heartbeats ad even heart failure.

She made a successful return to kayaking, and in 2018 the sport and exercise science student won the B Final in the K1 500m and K2 500m – alongside Olivia Brett – at the World Junior Championships and earned a call up to be part of the New Zealand’s women’s elite squad.

Her progress continued in 2019- competing at her maiden open World Championships – alongside Caitlin Ryan, she finished ninth in the A Final of the K2 500m.

Alicia is a former head girl at Gisborne Girls’ High School and is co-owner of a designer card business.